Brian Greene is a professor of physics at Columbia University, and one of the top researchers in quantum mechanics and String Theory. He is very dedicated to making these complex topics accessible through TED Talks, shows on NOVA, and several best-selling books. In this opinion piece, he considers the present importance of science, but the inability of schools to interest and engage students. He addresses people who are not generally interested in science, and explains why the way science is taught is ineffective, how it can be done better, and why it is important to think about in everyday life. He begins with anecdotal evidence of the significance of science: a soldier in Baghdad who was inspired by Greene's book on quantum physics because "it revealed a deeper reality of which we're all apart." This anecdote is particularly striking because it "might strike you as, well, odd" according to Greene. We generally pity soldiers and their situation, and are inspired when they find hope in something. This anecdote is one of many; Greene also describes his kids as proof that we are all born natural scientists. This applies to all parents and presents the logical argument that if kids have an inherent interest in science, something must change their opinion. Greene defines the "pedagogical approach" to science: that topics must be mastered chronologically. He then refutes this by saying this approach leads to the idea that "the verticality of science is unassailable." Having defined a problem and identified its faults, Greene then presents a solution, allowing students to view the "cutting-edge insights and discoveries" to foster their curiosity. This simple approach is well structured and appeals to logos for his audience. Greene also uses several comparisons in his essay, comparing science to curriculums in music and other liberal arts. These subjects are supposedly those preferred to science, so this comparison is very relevant. Lastly, Greene conveys his own passion by describing himself as a "practicing scientist" (a gross understatement) and using examples he can describe with genuine interests. For example, he describes stars as the result of the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago, "nuclear furnaces," and the makeup of only 4 percent of the enormous universe. I think the essay is very well done, because it appeals so well to his audience. He has logical organization and clearly demonstrates his credibility.
I am a huge fan of Dr. Greene. If you would like your mind blown, he has some incredible TED talks:
No comments:
Post a Comment