Science Grows on the Knowledge of Giants: A Deeper Understanding
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Chapter 1: The Flight Analogy
Imagine a group of travelers embarking on a flight from Chicago to London. As they settle in, the plane ascends and begins its journey in a northeastern trajectory. A curious passenger speaks up.
Passenger 1: “Why are we heading NE? I checked a map and it indicates we should be flying East. This must be a ploy by the airline to extend our journey and charge more.”
Passenger 2: “Absolutely! I also watched a video from a well-known podcaster claiming flying Northeast could lead to fertility issues later on.”
Passenger 3: “We don’t even know what effects flying NE might have. I’d rather stay home. If you wish to go, that’s your choice, but I prefer to stay.”
Passenger 4: “This is an infringement! The airline is forcing us to fly Northeast, and that’s not right. I value my freedom.”
In this scenario, it appears logical to fly east on a map. However, the reality is more complex.
Visualization from NASA’s Terra satellite.
The issue lies in the fact that this is a common projection of the Earth’s surface onto a two-dimensional plane. The Earth is not flat; rather, both Chicago and London exist on a mostly spherical surface. The true shortest path from Chicago to London appears as follows:
Screenshot from Google Maps.
To summarize, relying solely on basic logic can lead to incorrect conclusions. Moreover, what seems like the right answer may actually be misleading.
Section 1.1: Real-Life Implications
Consider the recent situation involving Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who tested positive for COVID-19. This incident was notable because Rodgers had previously claimed to be "immunized," yet it turned out he did not receive the COVID vaccine. He later mentioned following advice from Joe Rogan, which sparked further debate.
This brings us to the concept of "standing on the shoulders of giants." This phrase, often attributed to Isaac Newton, signifies how we build on the knowledge of those who came before us, avoiding the need to start from scratch. Scientific advancements, such as the detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes using detectors like LIGO, illustrate this point.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Scientific Legacy
To achieve such breakthroughs, we rely on the foundational work of countless researchers who have paved the way. Consider the immense effort that has gone into:
- The theoretical proof of black holes.
- The invention of lasers.
- The development of computers.
- The creation of large vacuum chambers.
- The concept of interferometry.
This accumulation of knowledge signifies that previous generations of scientists have made it possible for current researchers to advance the field without having to reinvent the wheel. However, it’s important to recognize that accessing this knowledge requires significant effort and expertise.
Section 1.2: Trusting the Experts
In the realm of medicine, the layperson often views information through a simplistic lens, akin to navigating a flat map of the Earth. While it might seem feasible to devise a flight plan based on basic logic, the reality is far more intricate.
When it comes to medical decisions, such as those regarding the COVID vaccine, I acknowledge my own limitations. Despite holding a PhD in physics, I lack the comprehensive knowledge necessary to make informed choices about vaccinations. Instead, I defer to the guidance provided by the CDC, similar to how a passenger trusts the pilot of an aircraft.
Chapter 2: The Necessity of Expertise
In the video "Steven Weinberg: On The Shoulders Of Giants," the renowned physicist discusses the importance of building upon the foundational work of predecessors in the field of science.
In "Barry Barish: On the Shoulders of Giants," another prominent figure in science reflects on how past knowledge informs current discoveries and technological advancements.
In a world dependent on specialized knowledge, we must recognize that expertise is crucial. Consider various fields such as:
- Medicine
- Electrical engineering
- The internet
- Automotive technology
If any of these areas undergo significant changes, one must rely on experts to make informed decisions. For instance, in determining the suitability of a nuclear reactor using uranium-235 versus plutonium-239, I may have a basic understanding, but the decision should rest with nuclear engineers.
In conclusion, this is precisely the situation regarding the COVID vaccine. Relying solely on common sense or advice from non-experts is insufficient. We must either trust qualified professionals or invest the time to become knowledgeable ourselves. Fortunately, I’ve already received my vaccine, and I encourage others to do the same.