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The Mystery of Modern Science, 2002.
A discussion of the effect of magic and religion on modern science.
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how magic and religion have always seemed to be at odds with the scientific community and how ironically enough they were major contributors to the motivation and means behind the Scientific Revolution. It looks at how many of the leaders of discovery in that time were heavily influenced by religious matters and how men like Descartes, Newton and Galileo saw their work as evidence of God's infinite wisdom. It examines the specific circumstances surrounding scientific discovery in the 1600s and the natural philosophers themselves and evaluates the influence of these factors on methodology and motivation.
From the Paper
"Magic was redefined as well. The new interest that began the Scientific Revolution was due in part to a desire for more practical convenience. Mechanism and alchemy came directly from magic and the occult, but according to our present definition of magic, this fact is blurred. We tend to view the mystical, demonic, or spiritual side of magic as the whole, but in truth, scientists took the physical, known use of magic and renamed it SCIENCE. At one time, using an herb or a mineral solution to cure a physical ailment was considered natural magic. To use one thing in nature to affect another, to study their interaction closely, and to derive conclusions from this intimate knowledge of the natural power of things, was an early form of the Scientific Method. This method was taken directly from natural magicians."
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Two Kinds of Color, 2002.
Explores the distinction between phenomenal and physical color, using the views of philosophers.
4,634 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper advances the argument that the colors we consciously experience are not the same as whatever colors may exist in the external world/ This means that even if color is a real physical property of things in the world, the colors objects "actually" have are not the same as the colors we experience them as having. This is not to say that things we see as being red may actually be blue, but rather that red, blue, and all of the other colors that comprise human color experience do not exist outside of that experience, regardless of whether there is an objective property of color in the world. This paper uses considerations put forward by George Berkeley and John Locke as well as current philosophers, neuroscientists and physicists. It approaches the topic from both a scientific standpoint as well as a philosophical one, though more emphasis is put on the latter.
From the Paper
"Berkeley simply extends this argument to additionally cover Locke's primary qualities, which he argues are likewise only known to us through our senses and perceptions. If colors, smells, tastes, etc., do not exist objectively in the world because they are not independent of the senses, then, by Berkeley's reasoning, nothing can exist independently of perception because our knowledge of everything in the world - including the primary qualities, which are the basic entities of all objects - also stems entirely from our senses. Berkeley's argument is largely based on the false reasoning that physical things in the world could not possible cause ideas in us , so his conclusion is easy to shrug off. But there is something very intriguing in the points he makes leading up to that misstep: We are indeed limited in our knowledge of the world by our inability to observe external things independent of our senses."
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Turing Machines, 2002.
Discusses Classical Turing Machines.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 9 sources, £ 44.95
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Abstract
Discusses Classical Turing Machines. Their relationship to quantum computing and Quantum Turing Machines. Defines a Turing Machine, what it does and compares present day computing to the Turing Machine. Quantum computational approaches. Quantum mechanics. Major results associated with quantum computing. The Turing Machine as a theoretical model. Its use in science. Recursive functions.
From the Paper
"Abstract
An overview is presented that investigates Classical Turing Machines and their relationship to quantum computing and Quantum Turing Machines. The examination begins by exploring the original work of Alonzo Church and Alan Turing, defining what is a Turing Machine, and discussing the differences between recursion and interation and how this relates to the overall debate on comparing present day digital computing to the Turing Machine.
Because the Turing Machine is a theoretical contrivance, it still has limitations placed upon it that can be generally overcome by considering quantum computational approaches. In order to understand quantum computing, one must first become familiar with the basics of quantum mechanics as they relate to this approach."
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Physics and Taoism, 1995.
Examines the relationship between the views of modern science and ancient Eastern religion on material reality.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, £ 30.95
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From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine certain relationships between the conception of material reality in modern physics and Taoism. The plan of the research will be to set forth the philosophical context in which physics and Taoism have been considered together, and then to discuss the details of intersection between these two seemingly disparate disciplines.
To see how 20th-century physics relates to Taoism, which essentially dates from the life and writings of Laotse (born 571 B.C.),1 it is necessary to explore how the development of theoretical physics in modern Western culture appears to have uncovered affinities with the more ancient culture of the East. The connections have entered the popular culture since the 1970s, notably with the publication of Zukav's Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics in 1979, and Capra's The Tao of ..."
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John Dalton's Atomic Theory, 1995.
Examines the ideas of this 18th Century-19th Century scientist and natural philosopher on chemical structure.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, £ 35.95
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From the Paper
"John Dalton's Atomic Theory
Through his study of gases, John Dalton arrived at some of the most important theoretical concepts in modern chemistry. He established a system whereby relative particle weights can be obtained from available chemical data. In addition, he devised a simple system of rules for chemical combination. Dalton also provided a framework for a system of atomic symbolism. His atomic theory is very useful for explaining a wide variety of physical and chemical phenomena.
Some have called John Dalton the father of the atomic theory of chemistry (1:83). His exact birth date is unknown. By his death in 1844 at the age 78, Dalton had devised some of the most fundamental ideas of modern chemistry (3:984). Indeed, many view the scientist as one of the founders of modern chemistry."
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Optical Circuits and Chips, 1995.
Examines developments in optical computer technology. Discusses processing, storage, integration, bit-serial architecture and more.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 9 sources, £ 26.95
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From the Paper
"OPTICAL CHIPS AND CIRCUITS
Technological and theoretical innovations ranging from ranging from DNA computing to optical circuitry hold the potential to revolutionize computing [1:1363]. This paper provides an overview of developments in optical circuitry as these developments apply to computer technology.
In search of new computational power, some researchers are attempting to use light as an information carrier [5:245]. Pulses of light are "the fastest messengers in nature," and the light pulses "pass through one another without effect. That should allow any number of activities to take place simultaneously in an optical circuit" [1:1363].
To construct the elements of an optical circuit, some optics researchers are developing light guides that carry photons around ..."
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El Nino, 1995.
Examines the causes and effects of this unusual climatic condition in California. Discusses its history, patterns, name, the role of jet stream, costs and its impact on weather and wildlife.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, £ 39.95
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From the Paper
"INTRODUCTION
The weather stands as one of the phenomena of the natural world that has a great effect on human activity but which human beings seem to be incapable of affecting, or even predicting with any accuracy. In this age of satellites, space travel, and computer simulations, though, we learn more and more about how the weather is formed and about different natural forces related to the weather either as cause or effect. Among the forces being studied today for the effect they have on weather conditions are the jet stream high above and the condition known as El Nino found in the Pacific ocean. The two in concert have a profound effect on the weather in California and throughout the Pacific region, with other effects extending far beyond that immediate area. El Nino has been blamed both for massive rains and drought ..."
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Global Warming and Storm Systems, 1995.
Examines the causes of the greenhouse effect and its impact on climatic turbulence, including hurricanes. Includes an outline.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, £ 26.95
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From the Paper
"Outline: The Effect of Global Warming on Storm Systems
Thesis: The emission of anthropogenic greenhouse gases may eventually cause global climatic changes that result in storms of increased severity.
I. Global warming has occurred in recent decades.
A. There has been a corresponding increase in the release of anthropogenic greenhouse gases.
B. These gases trap solar radiation and cause an increase in average global temperatures.
C. If current trends continue, by about the year 2030 the world's average temperature could increase by 1.3?C to 2.3?C.
II. Global warming may dramatically affect weather.
A. The impact of global climatic change on weather is ..."
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The Physics Of Color Television, 1995.
This analysis is a survey of how each of several branches of physics (quantum physics, molecular physics, biophysics, electrophysics, spectralphysics qne astrophysics) combine to create the medium of color television.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, £ 21.95
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From the Paper
"The Physics of Color Television
Most people who claim they do not understand physics, or who wonder if physics is important to learn about, do not realize that they probably spend two or more hours a day staring at complex multiple physics in action -- their color television sets (Dasgupta, 1994, 62). There they see in operation quantum physics (QP), molecular physics (MP), biophysics (BP), electrophysics (EP), spectralphysics (SP) and astrophysics (AP) -- to name just the more obvious (Basalla, 1988, 62). This analysis is a survey of how each of these branches of physics combine to create the medium of color television. To save space, the abbreviations of the physics fields will follow each application."
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3-D Ultrasound, 1995.
This paper discusses Three-Dimensional Ultrasound: Process, technology, medical applications, accuracy, benefits and drawbacks, operation and future.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 8 sources, £ 44.95
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From the Paper
"Instrumentally produced images greatly extend the range of human vision. Consequently, numerous technologies have been developed to create them. Perhaps one of the most useful of these consists of ultrasound. Three-dimensional reconstructions of ultrasound images make them easier to understand. Thus, in recent years, several three-dimensional ultrasonographic systems have been applied to various uses. Perhaps, at some time in the future, such systems will not only display information, but interpret it as well.
The anatomic structures and physiologic processes responsible for vision provide humans with an extremely effective mechanism for gathering information. This system can be substantially enhanced through the use of instruments (7:9-29)."
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Tidal Power as a Source of Electricity, 1994.
This paper discusses the use of tidal power as a cource of electricity: Technology, cause of surges, mills, caissons, barrages, turbines, costs and advantages.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, £ 30.95
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From the Paper
"Tidal energy has been used by humans for hundreds of years. In the modern era, the power is utilized for the production of electricity. The technologies involved are both proven and effective. However, with the exception of a tidal power plant at La Rance, France, the energy resource remains largely undeveloped. This may be in part because of the relatively high cost of the electricity produced. Only in appropriate circumstances will tidal power ever utilize its potential as both a dependable and enduring power source.
Tidal surges are caused by complex interactions between the gravitational fields of the sun and the moon. These phenomena occur in cycles of varying length. For the most part, the earth's oceans bulge along an axis which is approximately in line ... "
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Electricity, 1994.
This paper discusses the history and development of electricity from Benjamin Franklin to the early 20th Century: Major theories, discoveries and applications, social and psychological implications, occult aspects, inventions, motors, cells, communicati
6,750 words (approx. 27.0 pages), 12 sources, £ 75.95
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From the Paper
"Before about the last quarter of the eighteenth century, electricity essentially did not exist as a comprehensible phenomenon. The effects of lightning were of course universally known, but no remotely accurate guesses had been made as to its causes. The phenomenon of static electricity was also known--the word electric and its variations comes from the Greek word elektron (in Latin, electrum), or amber, which produces static electricity when rubbed with a cloth (Shilling, 1948, p. 5). (confusing, the term was also used for an alloy of gold and silver, perhaps of similar color.) Experimentation with static electricity began in sixteenth-century Italy; Jerome Cardan, about 1550, first distinguished electrical from magnetic phenomena. The relationship between the two continued to be acknowledged; Gilbert, in 1600, ... "
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Nuclear Power Dangers, 1994.
A look at the problems of design and construction, regulation and bureaucracy, waste disposal, politics, costs and environment.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, £ 26.95
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From the Paper
" Many people have concluded that nuclear power is fundamentally evil (Morgan 7). Those who oppose nuclear power do so because, at least in a rough qualitative way, they have balanced the risks and benefits as they understand them and have concluded that no amount of readjustment in the organizations that manage the technology or in the nature and balance of the risks and benefits it brings will make nuclear power acceptable. Other people still view this issue as a balance of risks, costs, and benefits. Proponents of nuclear power argue that, with much re-education and some re-examining of current organizations and technology, the public can be persuaded to welcome back nuclear power (Morgan 7).
Although nuclear power continues to play an active role in the energy planning of other nations, the U.S. nuclear power..."
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Theoretical Physics in 19th Century, 1993.
Crises caused by new discoveries, classical mechanics, Second Law of Thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, £ 21.95
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From the Paper
" By the last few decades of the nineteenth century, theoretical physics was entering a state of crisis.. This crisis, which reached its culmination about the turn of the century, was due to several factors. New discoveries, some quite accidental (such as that of X-rays) made physicists aware of previously unimagined form of radiant energy..
In addition, the development of precise means of measurements allowed experimental confirmation to be sought even for extremely subtle effects, which previously would have remained in the domain of theory alone.. For example, the luminiferous ether, through which light was supposed to move, was widely assumed to exist by nineteenth century physicists. Once its effects became measurable, experimentalists sought to identify them--and failed to find them, triggering a crisis.."
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