Posted on

Science

Discovering, learning and using knowledge. The systematic study of the natural world and universe through observation and experiments. Mathematical prediction and verification. The process and results of research. Explanations based on reasonable evidence. The collection, organization and unification of knowledge. All academic disciplines and professional fields are science.

Credibility for scientific accusations require that tests are repeatable through independent investigations. Theories need to be submitted for peer review. Universally accepted measuring systems should be used when at all possible. Findings from information are desired to be condensed into the simplest understanding with the most yield for maximum effectiveness. Successful science provokes new ideas.

Technology has evolved throughout the ages because people have applied creativity to being more efficient in doing the tasks that help us survive. If there’s one important lesson to be learned from our history, it’s that we’ve been good enough at problem solving to get where we are now. Engineering at its core is about applying science in the process of creating new technologies.

Science predates the awareness of doing it. We could say it started with the use of tools, which are methods and physical objects being used to help accomplish goals, but we don’t know if there’s ever been a time when humans didn’t use them. Using tools also isn’t exclusive to just us. Chimpanzees, gorillas, dolphins, and crows have all been observed using tools in one form or another.

Hunter gatherer societies have proven to have all the technology they’ve needed to survive and this kind of culture is estimated to account for about 90% of the time homo sapiens have existed. The Neolithic Revolution refers to a shift into agricultural societies that took place approximately between ten and eight thousand years ago. Different locations in the world independently started at different times. People began to domesticate plants and animals, resulting in a local food and material source, in contrast to traveling to hunt and gather wild resources. This would also lead to the first civilizations. Since this shift, technology has continued to evolve at an accelerating rate and science is at the heart of it all. The first industrial revolution starting in the 19th century is another turning point in technological evolution. These advancements have unfolded so quickly they have even influenced the world population, growing from about one billion in the year 1800 to eight billion in 2022.

In ancient Greece a small group of presocratic philosophers from Miletus were the first ones known to describe natural phenomena in ways other than using deities. Now known as the Milesian School of philosophy, this is the mindset that paved the way for what would become known as Natural Philosophy, which in large part, was influenced by Aristotle. Although the term science wouldn’t appear for another two thousand years, this is where its roots would grow out of. Natural Philosophy is the study of nature through empirical methods. Some of the subjects included were astronomy and cosmology, probability and randomness, motion and change, space and time, matter and physical entities. Theses studies were conducted in the fashion of what these days would still be considered philosophy, not science.

It wouldn’t be until about the 17th century that performing what we now refer to as science would get its momentum. Mathematics was essential to this change. As evidence continued to disprove Aristotle’s theories, there was an increasing dissatisfaction with the expression Natural Philosophy and the word science, derived from Latin scientia, meaning knowledge, was applied more and more. As new and distinct disciplines began to branch out, it no longer made sense to use the expression Natural Philosophy. Physics was the first of the new fields to grow out of this shift. The release of Sir Isaac Newton’s book Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, in 1687, is a good marker in time for this scientific revolution, not only because it ended up being the foundation of physics for the next two hundred years, but because not to long after, new branches began to flourish, among the first were Chemistry and Biology.

In the 19th century the expression Natural Science was popularized by professionals and institutions. Natural science would eventually be divided into two more main branches, life science which include the biological fields and physical science which include fields such as physics, chemistry, astronomy and earth science.

“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a Scientist. Thus we might say, that as an Artist is a musician, Painter or Poet, a Scientist is a Mathematician, Physicist or Naturalist.”
William Whewell (1794-1866)

Whewell is not only credited for coining the terms scientist and physicist, he also coined the term consilience, which is the ability to bring together results and to make predictions in other fields of science. Whewell believed when a theory designed to explain one thing also explained something else without originally trying to do so, this is evidence the theory is true. He felt that good scientific theories unify science.

Besides learning science to understand the origin and processes of the universe it can also play an important role with achieving a quality of life in daily activities. James Trefil and Robert Hazen the authors of Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy, give four principle reasons for the importance of scientific literacy.

  1. Scientific literacy helps consumers make informed decisions.
  2. Today’s workplace depends on science.
  3. Scientific literacy provides a foundation for teaching children.
  4. Scientific literacy allows you to share in the joy of science.
Posted on

Mathematics

It is a collective creation from cultures around the world and very well could be the oldest discipline. Recognizing patterns and sequences in nature with a desire to make sense of the heavens and our place in the universe might be where it all started. In the simplest of terms, it’s the science of numbers but more realistically, has become one of the most important tools to be used in science. Mathematics is involved in all fields and is also its own field. In the modern era, math not only helps formulate conjectures, it’s a key player in the scientific method when confirming and disproving them.

The importance of mathematics cannot be over stressed and we usually take it for granted. It’s in the infrastructure of our towns and cities, in hospitals with doctors and nurses saving lives and in times of war, it has made the difference between winning and losing. Cell phones, computers and the Internet, the modern home with all the luxuries, our various means of transportation and money are only some of the things we wouldn’t have, without mathematics.

There is no universal definition for mathematics. For instance, there’s a common feeling among mathematicians that new formulas and maths are discoveries of something that already existed, but if you’re an intuitionist then you believe these things are only a construct of our mental activities. There are even philosophical consideration that mathematics might be created like art. Axioms or postulations are beliefs, also known as self evident truths, that are based on common sense or logic, which by definition are not proven. The foundation of mathematics is created from axioms. Although mathematics as we understand it, consists of a sophisticated and highly respected structure, because it is built on axioms, it leaves itself open to a full array of debates and challenges from various opinions.

Math is even involved in the wild kingdom. Animals instinctively calculate amounts when they decide to fight or run if they are outnumbered. They are calculating distance when they decide it’s feasible to attack pray and they calculate the size of other animals to determine the amount of danger a potential interaction could have.

The Fibonacci sequence is an endless string of numbers where each number in the sequence is the sum of adding the two preceding numbers. Example, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 5+8=13, 8+13=21 and so on. From the mating of rabbits to the sequence of seeds in a sun flower, the Fibonacci sequence is found all over the place in nature.

First steps leading to the concept of mathematics began through enumerating, where quantities of objects were matched one to one, for example, pebbles or cut notches on a piece of wood. People also enumerated by matching them to body parts. Left five fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder, counted for eight objects and on the right side, they would count eight more. It’s suggested these counting methods predate language, because in some of the oldest known dialects, the first names for the numbers now known as one, two, three, four, and so on, were the names of these body parts. When people began naming different amounts, which is called numeration, another step towards mathematics had been taken.

In the early stages of numeration the concept of numbers weren’t separate from physical objects. Eventually the knowledge of knowing how many object there were would evolve into numbers that were separate from anything physical. This was when numbers began to existed on there own in the abstract mind of humans. The next step from here was to create numeration systems. This was when symbols were created to represent each abstract number. There are many ancient numeration systems, Roman numerals are among the most known.

The first numbering system is called natural numbers. This involves counting, one, two, three, four, into infinity. By 500AD, the Hindu Indians had invented the modern concept of zero. When the zero was incorporated into the natural numbers, they became known as whole numbers. The next step from here was to realize negative one, two, three, four, into infinity. The negative numbers with whole numbers are called integers.

Rational numbers are fractions or decimals. These are the numbers to the right side of the decimal. Rational numbers can have terminating or repeating decimals. Terminating decimals have an end number. Repeating decimals have a number or group of numbers that repeat infinitely. Irrational numbers are decimals that don’t repeat and go on for ever. Some irrational numbers are the square root of two and pi.

In ancient Egypt and Babylonia they used arithmetic, algebra and geometry for taxation, financial calculations, building construction and astronomy. Throughout the years the topics and formulas in mathematics would soar into the thousands. These days, after learning the basic arithmetic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, the educational road to becoming a mathematician will run you through algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. If this sounds like a long trail it is, but it’s also just the beginning of what the world of mathematics has become.

In 1900, David Hilbert published a list of twenty-three mathematical problems. In one of them he challenged researchers to find an axiomatic basis to all of physics. In this problem he’s asking for what today would be considered a (TOE).

Because of the success it’s had in explaining reality, there is a strong belief that mathematics is the language of the universe. If it is, the formula for a (TOE) is still a vocabulary waiting to be revealed. This brings us back to the opening statement of this book and the story that leads to an interpretation and how it will be deciphered.

Posted on

Experiment

A planned course of action attempting to validate a hypothesis. An innovative procedure designed to provide insight. Researching the relationship between variables. Investigation into cause and effect. Usually experiments are performed to test an expectation or question about how a particular phenomenon works, but occasionally used to demonstrate known facts and sometimes done just to see what happens.

Experiments and their results not only build credibility in the scientific community, they capture the attention of the general public. Whether we’re watching, performing or hearing about the results from an experiment, we’re intrigued because they can create a visual and give us a sense of something tangible in the material world. Experimenting exists in many form and most of us perform them in one way or another, especially as children. Have you ever tapped on something to get an idea of what its made of, sniffed something out of curiosity or changed a recipe? How about playing with a garden hose as a kid, taking something apart to see how it works or stepped out of your own personal mold to try something new? If so, you’ve experimented.

On a serious level, experimental research varies widely across the disciplines. Common in psychology but not restricted to other fields are laboratory, field and natural experiments. Laboratory experiments are highly controlled environments where variables are taken into consideration in great detail. Field experiments are controlled but take place in real-life settings and have a higher level of uncontrolled variables. Natural experiments are observational studies of unplanned, naturally occurring events.

Thought experiments have also proven to be valuable in understanding reality. As the title suggests, this method consists of an imagined scenario. This helps build concepts and it comes in handy when scientists aren’t sure how to test their theories, otherwise. Many of Albert Einstein’s success came from his ability to conduct thought experiments and in his case, some of them did lead onto verifying mathematical equations and physical experiments.

There are all kinds experiments in many different forms that I will be covering in future sections. There’s also the realm of new experimentation. As a tool to be used in the pursuit of answers, experiments potentially have the capacity to yield the most transparency when providing evidence in support of understanding questions. This is another important factor in achieving our goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment, with the right imagination it will take you anywhere.

Posted on

Scientific Method

The methodology of scientific inquiry. A positivistic research paradigm. It’s a cyclical self improving process. Approaches vary from one field to the next, but also share features. Systematic observation and conjecture, intuitive and creative questioning, a proposed hypothesis for investigation, mathematical reasoning, experiments thought up and brought to fruition, data analyzed and generalized. Once a determination has been made as to whether or not the original hypothesis needs refinement, alteration, expansion or rejection, the process starts over again. If tests results continue to match the concepts and mathematical predictions, a new theory will become established. Although formulation and testing vary, precise measurements and carefully controlled experiments are of the utmost importance.

A central concept in the scientific method is that it must be empirically based. Scientists trust evidence observed by the senses, opposed to depending solely on rationalism. This stems from an Aristotelian point of view, but where their empirical information from the senses was based on common everyday interactions, the scientific method bases it on mathematics and physical experiments. Mathematics is considered to be an abstract entity but it’s included because it helps us understand the physical world.

The scientific legacy that spans from Ancient Greece to the European Renaissance and beyond is an extraordinary story that will be told throughout this book. There are many important similarities and influence to the scientific method that should be known and the endeavors of the people involved deserve to be recognized. They are the predecessors in one of the greatest on going human adventures.

Another reason why everyone should put an effort into becoming scientifically savvy is because of the variety of questions and ideas that will arise. Time and time again the new great ways of thinking have come from unsuspected sources. This shows us that the scientific enterprise grows from diversity. It will probably be new way of doing the scientific method that will lead to making future discoveries.

By design the scientific method listens to new ideas. This means everyone should have the opportunity to be heard. This also requires a lot of patience. It might not be obvious at first but this opens itself up to argumentation. Sometimes referred to as a lost art because it’s very rarely done correctly. When someone wants to express their thoughts it’s important to listen, establish a premise, give new proposals a chance and if you find yourself being quick to disagree, first do your best to understand it before denouncing.

These guide lines are important because it is common for people to try to counter everything the other person is saying while they’re saying it. That’s poor argumentation and more resembles a fight. It’s proper argumentation for the person doing the listening to make sure they understand what the person expressing them self is trying to say. Even ask questions if necessary. Try to do away with biases, discrimination and the tendency in human nature to be competitive, because these things will only cloud judgement. Other key components to keep in mind are honesty and ethics. Once a person has had a chance to be heard you’re entitled to the same and this process should be able to continue in a civil manner. Everyone should be allowed to state their opinions without fighting.

My exploration has used a variety of approaches in pursuit of the best answers possible for the questions does The Unified Field exist, either way how do we understand what does and what does it mean for the human race? Along the way I became increasing aware of a synergy that can achieve anything and that’s when I began building a model that can answers the big questions. I want to share this story with everyone because the answers are absolutely incredible. If you stay with me on this you’ll create your own story and answer the big questions for yourself.

With the scientific method as my guiding light I’ve covered many theories based on information provided by thousands of people over thousands of years through conceptualizing, mathematics and experiments. I’ve also learned it’s important to be open minded to any possible means that might present evidence towards discovery. There will even be times when I cross into non-scientific territory, but no matter where it leads I’ll always come back to the scientific method.

I’ll be covering a lot of material while trying not to lose sight of the bigger picture and you should want more of a description for some of the things I mention. As this saga continues elaborations will be provided but you should still seek out multiple sources of information on your own to learn more about the various topics, then form your own opinions. When you set out to verify an accusation, if you find yourself wanting it to be true, to avoid confirmation biases, try to disprove it instead of proving it.

In the name of understanding truth what are you willing to subject yourself to for answers? The paradigm and ideology of the human race is destined to evolve, if you choose to do so you can be part of this. I hope you at least tag along to find out more. If you come with me unconditionally get ready to push the envelope and be extreme. The ride of a life time is coming. To take a glimpse into the real goal, most importantly this entails not only securing the longevity of the human race but doing so with equality and a mentality that is socially just for all. This pursuit is a membership everyone has a right to and obligation unless you would rather close your mind and let others run the show.

Layman and expert alike please join me on this journey, as explorers for human kind, in search of The Unified Field, using it to live life to the fullest, being open to learning from your experiences and sharing with others what you learn. Our future and the world our children inherit are depending on how successful we are.