People who followed the Scientific Method carefully, sometimes contradicted general views or Paradigms accepted by the others. For example, when Copernicus predicted that the earth was not the center of the universe as was considered during the 1600’s, his idea was heard but was not accepted. His idea caused other scientists to further research in this observation. Many years later, his idea was proved mathematically correct by Newton’s Laws.
The challenge now before us is not only to revalidate most accurately the theories that have been established over a period of time and which still exist today (even though most of the current theories have been derived through proper scientific methods as explained above) but also to discover and explain new things/phenomena. With the increase in technology and theoretical advances it is possible to quicken the pace of achieving a fuller understanding of the universe and revalidating current theories.
The current technological advance has now made it possible send rockets into space to explore life and conditions on other planets. These rockets are powered by extremely advanced computers which help to collect accurate information and data without the need for humans to travel in them. As a consequence, one day it might be possible for humans to colonize these planets. With the current machines it is possible to predict natural phenomena, for e.g. seismographs can predict earthquakes with a fair amount of accuracy. However, with further advances it may be possible to predict accurately earthquakes and volcanic eruptions much before they occur, there by resulting in less loss of human life. In the near future, it may be possible to determine the origin and the evolution of the earth. Research, with the help of modern technology, is in the process of understanding the human body completely. This will, for example, enable us to get a better knowledge of our body’s immune system which will help us to produce medicines that will counter diseases. The growth in technology has been further aided by the active support from the governments of countries. Governments in progressive countries provided financial support towards research and development in various fields including technology. Man has been able to draw energy from various sources including hydel, nuclear, and thermal. However, the quest is on to find newer and cheaper sources of energy. Similarly, the use of CNG(Compressed Natural Gas) as an alternate fuel to petrol and diesel has been discovered. Current tests are on to use other sources of fuel such as electricity to run vehicles. The need to find alternate sources of fuel is made necessary due to social or political pressures also, for example, to confront air pollution caused by petrol and diesel. It has lately been discovered that the ozone layer surrounding the Earth has been getting damaged slowly but surely since the past few decades due to the use of harmful substances by human beings. Therefore, research is being made towards developing alternate substances for CFC’s(used in refrigerators, air-conditioners, deodorants etc.) which is the main culprit for this depletion. Many a time, the motivation to gain recognition in the world through some important breakthrough is also the reason for many individuals to discover phenomena.
However, technology will not alone lead to discovering things. Some percentage of discoveries will always be a result of accidents as has been the case in the past. For example, the discovery of vaccine by Louis Pasteur in 1879. Even in the discovery of something as important and as indispensible as x-ray was a result of an accident. Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting with electrical discharges in 1895. There was a screen coated with a barium compound lying to one side, and Roentgen noticed that it would fluoresce when an electrical discharge would occur in the tube he was watching. On reaching for the screen, Roentgen got his hand between the discharge tube and the screen and saw the bones of his own hand through the shadow of his skin. In 1901, Roentgen received the Nobel prize for his accidental discovery of X-rays.
Though many important discoveries have been made in the immediate past, we still have a long way to go before we satisfy ourselves as far as full knowledge of the cosmos is concerned. However, when we will finally assimilate a full understanding of the universe, man will have to relinquish the desire to quench his thirst for knowledge since there would be nothing new to discover. Nevertheless, man can draw solace from the fact that nature continuously throws newer challenges at mankind. Hence, the process of discovery will surely transcend time. Finally to conclude with a quote from the famous scientist Einstein, “The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.”
Bibliography
- ‘Britannica’ Encyclopedia 1981 Volume: 16 pg.366-sceience, history of
- Britannica’ Encyclopedia 1981 Volume: VIII pg.985-scientific method
- Britannica’ Encyclopedia 1981 Volume: 5 pg.145-copernicus
- Woolman, Michael, Ways of Knowing