Someone mentioned in class that modern science is a much more global enterprise, and this is partially true. Scientists have come together on different projects in order to complete the same goal, for example the international space station. However, there will always be competition among scientists of other nations, due to the nature of the field and the applications of certain research. A number of research projects can end up benefiting the country in some way, often times with the military.
Science is a highly competitive field with people competing for grants and prizes, as well as acclaim. We talked about string theory in class, and there are a number of different scientists with different theories trying to find this “theory of everything”. String theory is the next big phenomenon, and everyone is clamoring to get in on the action. However, without proof, string theory is still a philosophical view.
Modern science is often about finding the next big invention or medicine, or finding an answer to some major life question. Rarely is science about observing the world around us and trying to understand why and how things work. Because of the need for resources and money in order to perform research, scientists must focus on something that has the potential to be profitable.
The theory of everything has gathered a lot of attention, and many scientists are making a name for themselves through there research. However, is such a quest necessary or beneficial in the end? String theory is almost like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, trying to find an answer to life, the universe, and everything. Does such an answer really tell us more about the universe than we already know and does it have an impact on how we live our lives?
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