Q)The theories of science are influenced by its needs, its capacity to absorb and utilize ideas. Explain this statement taking relevant examples from the history of science.
Ans)The practical application of science leads to its growth. But the advance of science depends upon something more than just the practical aspect. An equally important part of science is theory and concepts, which have played an important role in its advance. The theoretical framework links together the practical achievements in science and gives them an intellectual unity. Major advances in science occurred when a particular theory was proved or disproved. Theory is ultimately linked with practice. It has often happened that an important theory became very formal and came to be used mechanically, without any fresh ideas or new approaches. Then a new contact with practical experience bought forth its limitations. And it had to be modified or rejected, leading to another major advance in science.The level of practical advance of a society depends upon the prevailing social conditions. For example there are scientific methods to prevent birth and population control, but social conditions in such countries do now allow such an application of science, or in agriculture mechanism could increase productivity. But in regions where farmers have small pieces of land mechanization not possible.The theories of science are also influenced by the general intellectual atmosphere in which the scientists work. It often happens that a theory that fits into the general intellectual atmosphere and so is accepted universally, impedes further scientific advance. New theories based on newly discovered facts may be radically different form the existing ones. Therefore they come into conflict with the prevailing ideas and social thought. This conflict has in the past lead to persecution of scientists. For instance in the seventeenth century, Galileo used a telescope to see and to show others that the moons of the planet Jupiter revolved around it. This was very much like what he was proposing: that the earth revolved around the sun. He could also show that there were hills and valleys on the surface of the moon. But these ideas were against the prevailing concepts that the sun revolved around the earth and God had created the perfectly spherical moon. This new theory when published , led to the trail of Galileo. Nevertheless, history shows that barring a few exceptions new ideas in science overcame opposition and came to be accepted in due course of time. This not only lead to great leaps in science but also molded the intellectual thinking in general.
Ans)The practical application of science leads to its growth. But the advance of science depends upon something more than just the practical aspect. An equally important part of science is theory and concepts, which have played an important role in its advance. The theoretical framework links together the practical achievements in science and gives them an intellectual unity. Major advances in science occurred when a particular theory was proved or disproved. Theory is ultimately linked with practice. It has often happened that an important theory became very formal and came to be used mechanically, without any fresh ideas or new approaches. Then a new contact with practical experience bought forth its limitations. And it had to be modified or rejected, leading to another major advance in science.The level of practical advance of a society depends upon the prevailing social conditions. For example there are scientific methods to prevent birth and population control, but social conditions in such countries do now allow such an application of science, or in agriculture mechanism could increase productivity. But in regions where farmers have small pieces of land mechanization not possible.The theories of science are also influenced by the general intellectual atmosphere in which the scientists work. It often happens that a theory that fits into the general intellectual atmosphere and so is accepted universally, impedes further scientific advance. New theories based on newly discovered facts may be radically different form the existing ones. Therefore they come into conflict with the prevailing ideas and social thought. This conflict has in the past lead to persecution of scientists. For instance in the seventeenth century, Galileo used a telescope to see and to show others that the moons of the planet Jupiter revolved around it. This was very much like what he was proposing: that the earth revolved around the sun. He could also show that there were hills and valleys on the surface of the moon. But these ideas were against the prevailing concepts that the sun revolved around the earth and God had created the perfectly spherical moon. This new theory when published , led to the trail of Galileo. Nevertheless, history shows that barring a few exceptions new ideas in science overcame opposition and came to be accepted in due course of time. This not only lead to great leaps in science but also molded the intellectual thinking in general.
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