Science and Society Week 3 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a paradigm shift?

An outdated scientific belief

A common understanding among scientists

A minor adjustment to a theory

A significant change in perception of the natural world (correct)

The Ptolemaic Theory supports heliocentric understanding.

False

What theory did the invention of the telescope strengthen?

Copernican Theory

The theory that states 'Objects have inertia' is known as ____________.

Newtonian Physics Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the features of Darwinian Theory?

Organisms evolve to thrive in the environment Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the working on an established dominant theory?

Normal Science Signup and view all the answers

Match the following old paradigms with their new paradigms:

Traditional Stores = E-commerce Cable TV = Streaming Sites Cash & Checks = E-wallet & Mobile Banking Print Media = Digital Media Fossil Fuels = E-vehicles Onsite = WFH or Flexible Personal Car = Ridesharing apps Gym and Personal Trainer = Wearable Health trackers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paradigm Shifts & Scientific Revolution

Paradigm Definition: A set of standards and perspectives that shape understanding of the natural world, leading to scientific revolutions through paradigm shifts.

Historical Examples of Paradigm Shifts

Ptolemaic Theory:
- Geocentric view: Earth is static and centered in the Universe.
- Supported anthropocentrism and endorsed by the Catholic Church.
Copernican Theory:
- Heliocentric model: The Sun is the center of the Solar System.
- Challenged biblical scripture, reinforced by telescope advancements.
- Key trigger for the Copernican Revolution.
Aristotelian Physics:
- Belief that objects come to rest naturally; heavenly bodies move in perfect circles.
- Required external force (push/pull) for object motion.
Newtonian Physics:
- Introduced concepts of inertia and universal laws of motion and gravity.
- This shift led to the Newtonian Revolution.
Creationism:
- View that a divine creator designed living things in their current forms.
- Humans seen as created in God’s image.
Darwinian Theory:
- Introduced Natural Selection: organisms evolve to adapt to their environment.
- Inheritance of characteristics and common ancestry with primates.
- Catalyst for the Darwinian Revolution.

Process of Change in Science

Normal Science: Focuses on established dominant theories (e.g., Blending Inheritance).
Model Drift: Insignificant discrepancies occur; not urgently problematic (e.g., unexpected traits in offspring).
Model Crisis: Accumulation of unexplained results, necessitating reevaluation (e.g., Mendel’s experiments on inheritance).
Model Revolution: New theory proposed in response to crises (e.g., Mendel’s Law of Dominance).
Paradigm Change: Widespread acceptance of the new theory (e.g., Mendelian Genetics).
Return to Normal Science: Refinement of the new framework and integration (e.g., study of polygenic traits).

Societal Paradigm Shifts across Various Domains

Retail: Shift from traditional stores to e-commerce.
Television: Transition from cable TV to streaming services.
Payment Methods: Move from cash and checks to e-wallets and mobile banking.
Media Consumption: Evolution from print media to digital platforms.
Energy Sources: Shift from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.
Work Setup: Transition from onsite work to work from home or flexible arrangements.
Transportation: Move from personal car usage to ridesharing applications.
Fitness: Change from gyms and personal trainers to wearable health trackers.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of paradigm shifts and scientific revolutions as part of the Science, Technology, and Society curriculum. Students will examine historical examples, such as the Ptolemaic Theory, and how these beliefs have evolved over time. Test your understanding of how paradigms influence scientific progress.