Evolution vs. Intelligent Design
Evolution vs. Intelligent Design Intelligent Design and Evolution are two major theories that have been observed in the history of science. Proponents from both sides argue that they use different methodological approaches to back up their theories, which invalidates their opponent's. There are several differences on their understanding of nature including the origin of life, natural selection, and the complexities the evolution. The most incompatible element of this debate is the methodological approach that either side takes in order to explain their understanding of nature. Whether they are really addressing the same issue is completely relative to how tolerant each side is of the other (should I clarify?) Despite their stark differences, both views have permeated the scientific and academic realms and have been accepted as popular theories worldwide. Although evolutionary ideas entertained the minds of ancient philosophers, it wasn't until 19th century when these ideas drew in legendary scientists (ie- Charles Darwin) and their harshest criticism. He addressed the concept of natural selection, in which life evolves through random mutations. Many concepts within evolutionary theory have been corroborated by scientific evidence. Scientists have been following DNA's footprints, which have been permanently engraved by concrete genetic research. Therefore, usually don't
Evolution, what, and any evidence is there?
Opening In this case study I will be writing about evolution and, what, if any evidence there is. I chose this topic of science because im interested in how our species came about and how it’s been changed from theory to theory, and how it’s still being challenged. This, I hope, will interest and reading group of KS4. This may or may not help them with there GCSEs and revision. After they have read my case study, I hope they will make up there own minds using the for and against evidence presented. I will also so show my own opinion at the end of the study along with a conclusion for for and against, I will also compare the sources that I present and evaluate them to see if they are backing up their claims. Arguments for. A general explanation of how scientists think it works. This is an opening and explanation of evolution from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_evolutionary_synthesis#The_modern_synthesis “The modern evolutionary synthesis (also referred to as the new synthesis, the modern synthesis, the evolutionary synthesis and the neo-Darwinian synthesis) is a union of ideas from several biological specialties which forms a logical account of evolution. This synthesis has been accepted by nearly all working biologists.[1] The synthesis was produced over about a decade (1936–1947), and the development of population genetics (1918–1932) was the
evolution of the atmosphere
The Evolution of the Atmosphere The present composition of the atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the remaining 1% is made up of Nobel gases and also 0.04 carbon dioxide. As well as these there is also lots of water vapour. Here is how the atmosphere evolved: * About 4.5 billion years ago the earth was just evolving and the volcanoes gave out four things: steam, carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane. There was no oxygen around at this time. * Two billion years on from this oxygen was produced due to the green plants, which were evolving. The covered most of the earth and removed the carbon dioxide and produced oxygen. Also much of the carbon dioxide dissolved in to the oceans. More nitrogen was also produced from the methane and ammonia reacting with oxygen. * During the last billion years or so a lot has changed. The build up of oxygen has taken place and more complex organisms are around to make use of the oxygen the ozone layer has been created which blocks the suns harmful raise. The most important change would be how the amount of carbon dioxide has decrease and there is virtually none left. Today's Atmosphere The atmosphere today is perfect for us. However there is a worry that we maybe changing it for the worst by releasing various gases from industrial activity. The two main worries are acid rain and The Greenhouse Effect. Acid rain is mainly sulphur
Evolution. This issue report will aim to address the Theory of Evolution by explaining key concepts and ideas in an informative and unbiased way. It will set forth to describe the theory, by highlighting its main components,
Evolution Candidate Number: **** [An insight into the controversial issue of evolution.] Deadline: 24th April '09 Edexcel GCE Biology Introduction This issue report will aim to address the Theory of Evolution by explaining key concepts and ideas in an informative and unbiased way. It will set forth to describe the theory, by highlighting its main components, and also touching upon significant moments in time that shaped the modern Theory. I will be identifying the problem/s biologists have in regard to this issue, and the measures they are taking to produce an effective solution. Problem The problem biologists are struggling to solve is the full establishment of the Theory of Evolution as an accepted fact throughout the global population. And that is why the scientific community is determined to enlighten everyone with their own understanding. On a near global scale, the Theory of Evolution has become a default ideology that defines the existence of life. It is defined as scientific and logical, and it has become extremely dominant due to the many biologists who agree with it because of its simplicity, in terms of understanding the basic concept. It is taught as a standard in educational facilities, and therefore cannot be disputed. The problem with this issue is that while calling it a 'Theory', the majority of proponents consider it as solid fact. They are convinced
Freud and Behaviourist's Theories
Freud and Behaviourist's Theories In the late 19th and early 20th Century, there were many important theories developed explaining, or trying to explain, human behaviour and personality development. In this essay, I aim to compare and contrast the Freudian Theory and the Theories of the Behaviourists. These were some of the main theories constructed with aims at looking at the way our behaviour is, or isn't, controlled by our personality. The way I have decided to structure this essay is to firstly describe each theory separately. I will make my comparisons between the two theories and finally I will conclude with some criticisms aimed at each theory. Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939) dedicated his life to developing his 'Psychoanalytic Theory'. This theory comprises of several different factors; each one contributing to our mental make up, thus governing our actions, thoughts and behaviour. He completed the theory in 1926, at the age of 70, although he continued to re-present it, rethink its implications and apply it in new ways until his death. (Padel, 1987.) One of the factors making up his theory was the 'levels of mind'. Freud said that it was as if the mind was separated into three sections. These sections being the 'conscious' mind, the 'pre-conscious' mind and the 'unconscious mind'. The first section, the conscious mind, being our awake state or our state of
Cultural bias in psychological theories
Cultural bias in psychological theories Many psychological theories are hampered by cultural bias, which can ultimately negate their validity. Cultural bias can appear in two forms; ethnocentrism and eurocentrism. Ethncocentrism refers to the use of our own cultural group to make judgements about other groups. We tend to view the beliefs, customs and behaviours of our own cultural group as normal or even superior, and those of other groups as strange or deviant. Eurocentrism is a particular form of ethnocentrism wereby psychologists place an emphasis on european (or western) ideas at the expense of those of other cultures. Western researc is then applied to other cultures to create a universal view of human behaviour. Mogaddam has suggested that 'economic' theories of relationships such as Thiabut and Kelly's social exchange theory and walster's equity theory only apply to western relationships and even then only to short term relationships among those with high mobility. Such theories only reflect characteristics of individualist socieites whereby members are concerned with their own success (therefore their profit and loss in relationships). Conversely, collectivist societies strive towards the success of the group as a whole, thus profit and loss and equity in relationships are less important. In social psychology many theories eg those by walster and thiabut and kelly
Critically evaluate trait theories of personality.
Critically evaluate trait theories of personality. "There are as many definitions of personality as there are personality psychologists" is what Sternberg stated about personality (Intelligence and Personality /Sternberg). Unfortunately, this statement isn't far from the truth. Personality is one of the most general and unclearly defined terms in psychology (Eysenck, 1957). This essay evaluates trait theories of personality on the basis of Block, Weiss and Thorne's (1979) definition of personality: Personality refers to "more of less stable internal factors that make one person's behaviour consistent from one time to another, and different from the behaviour other people would manifest in comparable situations". To begin with it will present a general description of trait theories. It then assesses trait theories on several levels of analysis. It begins by looking at the validity and reliability of assessment forms for traits and the resulting predictive value specific traits in people will have on behaviour. It then evaluates individual and situational factors that affect predictability. The extent to which trait theories can be used to predict behaviour and in which situations. An assessment of the practical application and benefit the development of trait theories has had in different areas follows. Finally trait theories of personality are compared to other
Theories of the Universe
Theories of the Universe There are many theories on the topic of 'everything', but as physicists are simple folk they can only settle for one simple answer. Just one. Most theoretical physicists have believed that, ultimately, there must be just one possible universe, the physical manifestation of a set of laws so compelling that no other option would be viable. One universe. One theory. One defining way. It was a lovely idea, but increasingly it seems a fantasy. In recent years, theory and experiment are leading to the conclusion that, far from being the only option, our universe may be just one among an almost infinite array of possible worlds. It may be that ours is simply one member of a vast cosmological swarm. Several paths seem to be leading in this direction. The most notable is string theory, which is the leading contender for a so-called theory of everything. Many physicists are convinced that some version of string theory will prove to be the final description of all physical reality, unification under one mathematical umbrella of matter, force, space and time. As the name so charmingly implies, string theory proposes that, at its core, the universe is composed of minute strings. To get a sense of what this means, imagine a subatomic particle as a tiny point; now further imagine that, as you look closer, this point turns out to be a tiny closed loop, not a
Describe and evaluate theories of hypnosis
Theories of Hypnosis Describe and evaluate theories of hypnosis (25 marks) Frank Mesmer was an Austrian physicist who believed in magnetism and was one of the first hypnotists. He claimed that illnesses were caused by an imbalance in the body's own magnetic field. A process known as mesmerism came about. Patients would hold on to an iron bar in a dark room and sit around wooden barrels filled with water, ground glass and iron filings. Mesmer would play soft music, wearing a lilac robe and would tap the patients with his bar. They would often suffer convulsions and enter a trance-like-state. Mesmer claimed to be able to cure minor ailments with this method. This may have been true magnetism or the patients could just believe they are feeling the effect but it is due to their own imagination which is known as the placebo. A British physician amputated a man's leg using nothing more than hypnosis. This can be used nowadays to help people quit smoking, lose weight and go through painful dental treatment. Hypnosis is usually carried by asking the patient to stare upwards and focus on a target, and are then made suggestions about relaxation, tiredness and sleepiness. The patient's eyes should naturally close and if not then they are told to close them after 10 minutes. The individuals will sit quietly and show little or no activity unless it is suggested. Post-hypnotic amnesia
Discuss the theories of communication.
Unit 1 - Developing Effective Communication P2 Discuss the theories of communication. Theories of communication Argyle's communication cycle "According to Argyle, skilled interpersonal interaction (social skills) involves a cycle in which you have to translate or 'decode' what other people are communicating and constantly adapt your own." (Moonie,N (2010) p18) Argyle's stages of the communication cycle were an idea occurs, message coded, message sent, message received, message decoded, message understood. The first stage is ideas occur this is the process where we think about what we are going to say and who to. The second stage, message coded, is where we think about our idea and plan what to say. The third stage is message sent, this is where we speak or sign what we are saying. The fourth stage is message received; this is where the person you are speaking to has listened to what you have to say. The fifth stage is message decoded; this is where the message can be translated if needed to. The final stage is message understood, this is where the receiver can clarify the meaning or ask any questions. An example of when this is effectively used in a health and social care context is when a service user wants to make a carer a shopping list. Stage one: A service user wants to make a shopping list for their carer. Stage two: The service user decides what she wants on
