SECTION IV

Writing

Read the extract from the interview with British physicist Clifford Johnson, one of the world’s leading theoreticians in the field of elementary particle physics answering the question why it is important that scientists be open-minded. Then write a composition giving your opinion on the question. Prove your opinion by the examples from modern science and technology.

Being open-minded is what science is all about. The best science operates by letting our observations about nature determine what our theories of the world should be. Theories are tested by making verifiable predictions that can then be demonstrated through experiment.

One of the finest examples of this is Galileo. In the 16th century, following Copernicus, he put forth the idea that planets and other local heavenly bodies actually revolve around the Sun, not the Earth. At the time, Earth was believed to be the center of the universe, for religious reasons. The established religious community ridiculed both Copernicus and Galileo. Galileo used a telescope, which he constructed, and showed that Venus exhibits phases as it goes around the Sun (like the Moon does as it goes around the Earth) and that moons orbit Jupiter. These are both predictions of the idea that heavenly bodies can move around objects other than the Earth, an idea contrary to the prevailing view.

Galileo also demonstrated through experiments that light and heavy objects fall at the same rate. The Aristotelian view was that this rate depended on the weight of the falling object, so there was great resistance to this idea despite the experimental evidence.

The best modern-day scientists still operate in this tradition. New data comes along as we do new experiments. This data is assimilated into current theories. At some point, if overwhelming evidence from an experiment cannot support current theory, scientists abandon the old ideas. This is the exercise of open-mindedness in a controlled and fruitful way. However, accepting an idea on flimsy evidence is also not a good way of practicing science, and this can be just as bad as refusing to have an idea challenged.

2. Write a short essay on the latest developments in the field of science you are doing your research in. Make use of the following phrases:

to be engaged in; to conduct research; to make an experiment; to provide scientific knowledge; to meet human needs; to develop new approach to; a landmark of scientific achievement; research priorities in; to foretell the scientific breakthroughs; to improve the quality of life; to create new, innovative technologies.

UNIT 2

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