The Nature and Necessity of Scientific Revolution

Almost everything that distinguishes the modern world

                 from earlier centuries attributable to Science, which achieve its most spectacular triumphs in the seventeeth century.

                                                                                                                                Bertrand Russell

I.                    Introduction

                How Sciences progresses? What are scientific revolutions and what are their functions in scientific development? Why should a change of paradigm be called revolution? In the face of the vast and essential differences between political and scientific development, what parallelism can justify the metaphor that finds revolution in both? These are the questions in the article that it needs a comprehensive and concise explanation to understand the nature and necessity of scientific revolutions.

                In this paper Thomas Kuhn used the word paradigm. Kuhn identifies two essential characteristics of paradigm: scientific achievements that attract an enduring group of adherents away from competing modes of scientific activity, and they are sufficiently open ended to leave all sorts of problems for redefined group of practitioners to resolve. The paradigm is shared goal, a program of action. They are major theories of Science, major conceptual schemes, basic concepts on which Science is based, e.g. corpuscular optics or wave optics or Corpernican astronomy. Why paradigm is used in the study?  It is mainly prepares a student for membership in a particular scientific community with which he will later practice.  According to Kuhn Theories are not important enough to classed as paradigm because many theories are expounded in scientific journals.

                In this article “The Structure of Scientific Revolution” by Thomas Kuhn  He discussed the Nature and necessity of scientific revolutions he stressed out the difference between scientific revolution and political revolution. Both of these contributed much in the development of Science as well as political development. Kuhn point out logical positivism in relation to normal science and revolutionary science. The last part of this paper which Kuhn gave emphasis on revolution and relativism. Is relativistic or revolutionist has something to do with the development of scientific theory?

               Scientific revolution vs. political revolutions

                Scientific revolution, according to Thomas Kuhn, is a shift in professional commitments to shared assumptions that takes place when an anomaly undermines the basic tenets of the current scientific practice. These shifts are the “tradition-shattering complements to the tradition-bound activity of normal science”. These paradigms requirethe reconstruction of prior assumptions and the re-evaluation of prior facts that are difficult and time consuming.

                From the normal practice in the science community in which one research should comply or based its assumption with established scientific norms (theories, laws, accepted facts, etc.) and of which a research, before it will be accepted as a general facts, should be re-conducted by other independent scientists following the same methodology, or replicated, and should have the same or similar results  before it can be universally accepted. Here comes the shift of which an observation could be constructed with a new model or prediction and then undergo field of research. The result is accepted by professionals of the same field.

                Because of the difficulty of established norms in science, the paradigms can now determine normal science without the intervention of observable rules or shared assumptions. Paradigms then transform a group into a profession or a discipline.

                The paradigm shifts did not just go easily. It encountered many criticism and resistance in the scientific community especially from the traditionalist. However, the more precise and far-reaching the paradigm is, the more sensitive it is to detecting anomaly and inducing change.
By resisting change, a paradigm guarantees that anomalies that lead to paradigm change will penetrate existing knowledge to the core.

                Example in the case of new discoveries, a change in existing theory that results in the invention of a new theory is also brought about by the awareness of anomaly. The emergence of a new theory is generated by the persistent failure of the puzzle of normal science to be solved as they should.

                Take for example the discovery in which a can be run using  closed circuit brain that used energy principles rather than chemistry by the use of water and with electricity as start-up source of energy. In chemistry, the law of matter states that it can be conserved, or all materials inputted should be equal to the resulting materials outputted. In this invention, water undergoes a cycle of which energy is released that turns the engine on. But before it can be release energy, electricity from AD/CD battery or electric current from the outlets could start-up the movement of molecules. A normally accepted principle is that water could be split into hydrogen and oxygen atoms by electrolysis. The splitting will release energy that could be used in turning engines like turbines. So there should be a continuous supply of electricity. In this invention however, electricity is not used continuously but only as start-up for let’s say, 5-10 minutes. From the resulting energy released a portion of it is plowed back to the brain. And since there is already an activity, it needs only 25-35 percent of its energy requirement in order to continuous release of energy. There is now anomaly in the accepted scientific principles of conservation of energy and matter. Though it takes time because of counter-instances that create tension, the invention was accepted and supported by those who are in the same field of profession. This is one concrete example on the application of scientific revolution.

                According to this paper of Thomas Kuhn Political revolutions are inaugurated by a growing sense, often restricted to a segment of the political community, that existing institutions have ceased adequately to meet the problem posed by an environment that they have in part created.

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Posted in: Scientific Revolution

Dream Come true

This is the moment God answered my prayer. I couldn't imagine that we won  in the National Science Fair in the Physical Science, Team Category the fact there were 15 entries compete from the different regions in the Philippine. We got the third Place in the contest. But you know before we garnered this place a lot of trials we have experienced specially when it comes to financial constraints from the start of the contest in the Division, Regional and even in the National Level. From the start of the investigation of the project, for choosing of our consultant, entering in the institution where we conducted our project. The materials that we are going to be used and the cost of each materials. Another factor is my background in physics the fact that this is the first time to have a physical science project because my major in Biology. All of this constraints made me strong and even my researcher to continue the project. Thank you Lord for the opportunity and blessings to us specially to the Researchers Jahaziel Mark Bahan, Jissah Mae Bahan, Wilyneth Cantong, and to the Party Roithes Perez, Christine Unabia and Emerald Logronio for the job well done. To our consultant Dr. Rey Vequizo and Mayvel Odarve thank you so much for your expertise and skills rendered to us to make the project successful. I have learned a lot from you. I salute to both of you! to the faculty and staff of Trento National High School headed by our School Principal Mr. Leopoldo Pulido, my warmest gratitude to you all, to the parents of my researcher, III-SSC who help us raised money through caroling for our Travels, PTCA  headed by PTA President Jovenial Cabusog, To our Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, to Deped Family headed by Madam Crucita Zm. Taala, to Dr. Erlinda Atienza,  Sir Abraham Masendo, Thank you also for the encouragement to continue my endeavor.To all who helped us financially Thank you so much. I know God is always there for us. In this connection I am knocking the hearts of any company that will help to give funds for our project so that we can make a solar panel out of our improvised solar cell rest assured that our solar panel is feasible and it is very helpful to minimize the problem in our country in global warming. I am looking forward for a positive response of the people who can read my blog. Thank you and More Power! God Bless and Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Abstract

The quest to find environmentally clean, sustainable, and renewable energy source have been an agenda of human race. Among the unconventional energy sources; solar energy has appeared to be the most practical alternative to conventional fossil-fuel based energy sources. This study aims to determine the capability of anthocyanin in the red cabbage to convert light into electricity by fabricating anthocyanin-sensitized solar cells.

Anthocyanin extracted from the crude extract of red cabbage underwent transmittance and absorbance analysis using the UV-Vis Spectroscopy analysis to determine its light absorbing capability. Anthocaynin-sensitized solar cells are then fabricated with ZnO/Anthocaynin/Electrolyte configuration. Exposure to stray light from the fluorescent light and halogen lamp (560 nm, 100W) was carried out to elucidate and measure the electricity generated by the sensitized solar cell.

Pythochemical analysis of the extract verified the presence of anthocyanin. A high absorption band in the wavelength range of 450-540 nm indicates the capability of anthocyanin to absorb light. The presence of electrolyte enhances the reactivity towards light as observed in the increase by the absorption of the samples.

The current generated by the sensitized solar cell is mainly attributed to the presence of anthocyanin in the cell where the current generated with the two light sources is comparable. Although the Anthocyanin-sensitized solar cell generated current is low, the trend of its current-voltage properties is the same with a standard Si-based Solar cell. The Ability of the Anthocyanin-sensitized solar cell to generate current at the same range, with and without the presence of an intense light source, is also a promising property for a good solar cell device.

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Posted in: 2010 National Science and Technology Fair

My Philosophy of Teaching

Learning is, of course, the main purpose of education. It is the goal of every student and the task of every teacher to increase knowledge and understanding in the classroom. I feel that the concept of learning should be focused around four main areas. Independent thought is essential to the development of each student. Being able to form unique independent ideas to solve problems will serve them both in and outside of the classroom. Group interaction is also an important part of learning. Being able to share ideas, validate them with those of others, and teamwork are important processes in social and mental development. The teacher should also be prepared to lead students in the direction they should go to reach correct conclusions and answers, without always providing the answers themselves. Finally, stressing the use of learned ideas and processes in new situations is essential. By using information, students should be able to apply what they have learned to new life or learning situations. Transfer of this sort is what really determines what has been learned.

            In order to aid students in reaching their desired learning goals, the teacher must have a clear set of objectives. I feel that teachers should serve a number of purposes. First and foremost, they should act as guides, pointing students in the direction they should go to find answers and solve problems by providing them with the essential information they need to do so. They should also act as advisors or facilitators, especially in the school setting. Students at this level need input and more assistance in deciding on courses to best reach their personal academic and career goals. Teacher should help these students in making important decisions in these areas. Students also need to feel comfortable approaching their teacher for some questions and clarifications. Teachers need to make education as enjoyable and beneficial as possible to for students. By teachers acting in all of these manners, a student's education will be more complete and enjoyable than one in which a student only sees the teacher in the classroom.

            Teachers should also set specific goals for students. Mastery of information has always been the goal for teachers, and should continue to be one of the essentials. In addition, long term goals for students should be set, allowing students to work towards goals over time. As a part of this, intellectual development of each student should continue over time, allowing students to use what they are learning later in life. It is also the hope of all teachers that students will develop an interest in the subject area being taught. Although this does not occur in all cases, students should at the very least develop an appreciation for the subject and the material being taught in the classroom.

            This leads to an expected question: how does one implement this philosophy? No single teacher will be able to implement all of their personal educational philosophies at one time. By constantly creating ideas for day-to-day use, the teacher can begin to work towards their philosophical goals. Over time, these can become long-term goals, allowing the teacher to develop the teaching styles and methods that work best for them. Finally, by continually asking, "How do I conduct my classes?" the teacher can examine how close or far they are from sticking to their educational goals.

            As with anyone involved in education, student or teacher, a personal growth plan should always be included. One never develops socially, intellectually, or academically, without consistently learning new things and striving to further oneself. This can include classes as a part of a continuing education program, receiving regular input from students and consistently attempting to improve their teaching style, or trying new ideas or strategies on regular basis.

            In addition  being a researcher, I am willing to share my knowledge and skill in doing research in different fields.

            Each teacher needs to have a personal philosophy of teaching to guide their actions and ideas. This list is one I have made to guide myself. It is by no means all-encompassing, but it provides a basis for what I feel about education, and what I want my students to feel when they leave my classroom.

 Thank you and More power God Bless us all Teachers!

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The Hardship in Making Dissertation

I couldn't imagine that this is the moment of truth. Pursuing a doctorate degree is not an easy task especially in making dissertation. From the start of choosing a topic to be studied. There are many things to be considered before deciding immediately that would be the field of study you are going to pursue.This is the time that we need the brilliant idea of our adviser in choosing a topic. We should look forward on what are the benefits of the findings of this study in the country. The scope of your study should be global in nature.So it means that the data should be represent nationally. I could still remember when I opened up my topic to  Sir Mic  he laughed at me because my topic is not worth it for a Ph.D, so I was challenged to find a nice study. But it is not an easy way to do it. How many days I slept early the morning, thinking of a topic, even in my night dream, it can't be avoided that my time will be stolen just because of dissertation. Now that you have your topic, another problem is the data. Where can you get the data? You should have a lot of reading materials or reference of your topic, then this is the time you are going to make a concept paper for your adviser to check if you track the right path.I really wanted to finish my dissertation in one semester only if time will allow me with all the guidance of our dear providence Jesus Christ I know I can make it. Just always remember be patience at time and be determined enough to reach your goals in life.

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Why Research is Important?

Problems are always there? Anywhere?But as Filipino citizen what we have done? We are just ignoring all these? We did not find solution for these but some are making way to solve this problem like researchers, like me. Through research we can solve a lot of problems in our country in all fields, it could be in the environment, education, health, politics, economics, etc. Doing a research is not an easy task. You need to follow this, being a researcher you should possess these qualities, a researcher should be keen observant, open-minded, skeptical,systematic, perseverance, patience, you have sense of humor, keep on focus, enthusiasm, objective and intellectually honest. These are the qualities I taught to my students in their subject Research I and II. What is really Research mean to you? According to Good, research is a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry, varying in technique and method according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolutions or both of the problem.Aquino added that a research is a systematic search for pertinent information on an specific topic or problem. Manuel and Medel said that a research is a process of gathering data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a scientific manner.Research is a purposive, systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data for the solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or verification of existing knowledge, all for the preservation and improvement of the quality of human life was stressed by Gonzales and Aquino.I always said to my students research is a gift, an ability, an opportunity, a responsibility and an accountability. Start doing research now, but try to consider before doing it, first your resources, capabilities, abilities and your interest. Always remember this, Do it because you love it and because you can make a difference.Help your community and contribute to society. Learn through your experiences and discover the world around you. This is the true reward of science.

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