Can Science Prove Anything

What does it mean to prove a scientific theory? Whats the role of mathematics in science? How do you define the scientific method? Take a look at the fundamental way people look at science, what proof means, and whether a hypothesis can be proven or unprovable. The Conversation Begins The story starts with  an e-mail which seemed to criticize my support of the big bang theory which is, after all, unprovable. The author of the e-mail indicated that he thought this was tied into the fact that in my Introduction to the Scientific Method article, I have the following line: Analyze the data - use proper mathematical analysis to see if the results of the experiment support or refute the hypothesis. He implied that placing an emphasis on mathematical analysis was misleading. He claimed that mathematics was tacked on later, by theoreticians believed that science could be better explained using equations and arbitrarily assigned constants. According to the writer, mathematics can be manipulated to get the results desired, based on the scientists preconceptions, such as what Einstein did with the cosmological constant. There are a lot of great points in this explanation, and several which I feel are far wide of the mark. Lets consider them point by point over the next few days. Why all Scientific Theories Are Unprovable The big bang theory is absolutely unprovable. In fact, all scientific theories are unprovable, but the big bang does suffer from this a bit more than most. When I say that all scientific theories are unprovable, Im referencing the ideas of famed philosopher of science Karl Popper, who is well known for discussing the idea that a scientific idea must be falsifiable. In other words, there has to be some way (in principle, if not in actual practice) that you could have an outcome which contradicts a scientific idea. Any idea which can be constantly shifted around so that any sort of evidence would fit it is, by Poppers definition, not a scientific idea. (This is why the concept of God, for example, is not scientific. Those who believe in God use pretty much everything to support their claim and cannot come up with evidence -- at least short of dying and finding that nothings happened, which unfortunately yields little in the way of empirical data in this world -- which could, even in theory, refute their claim.) One consequence of Poppers work with falsifiability is the understanding that you never really prove a theory. What scientists do is instead come up with implications of the theory, make hypotheses based on those implications, and then try to prove that specific hypothesis true or false through either experiment or careful observation. If the experiment or observation matches the prediction of the hypothesis, the scientist has gained support for the hypothesis (and therefore the underlying theory), but has not proven it. Its always possible that theres another explanation for the result. However, if the prediction is proven false, then the theory might have serious flaws. Not necessarily, of course, because there are three potential stages that could contain the flaw: the experimental set-upthe reasoning that led to the hypothesis the underlying theory itself Evidence which contradicts the prediction may just be a result of an error in running the experiment, or it could mean that the theory is sound, but the way the scientist (or even scientists in general) interpreted it has some flaws. And, of course, its possible that the underlying theory is just flat out wrong. So let me state categorically that the big bang theory is completely unprovable ... but it is consistent, by and large, with everything else we know about the universe. There are still many mysteries, but very few scientists believe that they will be answered without some variation of the big bang in the distant past. Edited by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Critical Analysis The Spirit of Democracy Essay

Democracy, with various perceptions lacks a universally accepted definition. However, it may have become a universally accepted system of government most international societies prefer to operate under. Larry Diamond (author of â€Å"The Spirit of Democracy†) agrees to this trend, when he questions why Democracy has not expanded globally. Though a snowball effect is indeed taking place, allowing sparks of liberal ideas translate to democratic movements giving way to the third wave of democracy, this system is still limited to two-thirds of the globe. In order to truly understand the limited growth of democracy, we must first uncover the internal factors that drive autocratic regimes and their democratic transitions. Autocratic regimes may†¦show more content†¦In the long-run, these movements eventually help induce the autocracy with a democratic system of government. Nonetheless, the autocracy can still revert the country to its initial bureaucratic system of government. Should they discover a source of mineral wealth within their country, the autocracy recovers from poor economic circumstances, ultimately fulfilling the desires of the people and retaining the legitimacy of the system. Thus, the leader recovers his moral title to rule, which was to bring economic and social reforms into the state that desperately required them. Once the government receives additional funding, it can use it to oppress rebellious citizens. Or repulse any oppositions that may have emerged from previous perceptions of a failing state. In contrast, Diamond views this recovery as a temporary delay of democracy. As a supporter of modernization theory, he believes that development endows society with values of post-materialism, which are values of independence and plurality found in the heart of all democratic societies. Diamond elaborates further, by linking the increa se in income to a rise in education. 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The government, he says, will always pull out the â€Å"’endangering lives’ or ‘protecting

Exploring the Chinese Distribution Strategy for Gallo Free Essays

According to China Research and Intelligence (2010), distribution channels are still the key factor to success. Since the Chinese and Hong Kong markets show a slight preference for on-trade channels, especially concerning exclusive products such as wine, EJ Gallo Rose concentrates on them (China Research and Intelligence, 2010). According to Hollensen (2011), given that Gallo Rose is a high quality product selective distribution would be the appropriate form of distribution as Gallo Rose would be targeting a specific market. We will write a custom essay sample on Exploring the Chinese Distribution Strategy for Gallo or any similar topic only for you Order Now Gallo would depend on Chinese and Hong Kong wholesalers to distribute the wine to hotels and supermarkets, preferably those whom the competitors are not currently using. Therefore, a range of intermediaries has to be chosen carefully: mid to high price restaurants offering Western food, international pubs and lounges build a trading base. Once the wine is established, cooperation with high class Chinese and Hong Kong establishments could be considered. However, a presence in high segment supermarkets will be obligatory to make the product accessible. Jenster and Cheng (2008) stress the rise of other off-trade channels, such as specialty wine stores and online wine-sites. The former is particularly important for new Chinese wine drinkers. The latter will be a part of Gallo’s distribution chain as soon as it reaches a higher market share. As outlined by Bretherton and Carswell (2001), the Chinese distribution system is improving slowly. To set up in Hong Kong and coastal areas of China is relatively easy, as the infrastructure is excellent. Direct exports with the support of an executive office are sufficient. Nonetheless, further expansion will conflict with trade barriers and local protectionism. Areas have to be treated separately and high transaction costs are necessary to build own distribution channels. However, the advantages of higher reliance and lower control costs are obvious. Import taxes in China are lowered according to WTO agreements (9), but still 14% (Yu and Sun et al, 2009) plus value-added and consumption tax. On the other hand, Hong Kong tries to create a wine trading hub with the exemption of import taxes since 2008 (Winechina. com, 2010). How to cite Exploring the Chinese Distribution Strategy for Gallo, Essay examples

Charlemagne Essay Example For Students

Charlemagne Essay Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, became the undisputed ruler of Western Europe, By the sword and the cross. (Comptons 346) As Western Europe was deteriorating Charlemagne was crowned the privilege of being joint king of the Franks in 768 A. D. People of Western Europe, excluding the church followers, had all but forgotten the great gifts of education and arts that they had possessed at one time. Charlemagne solidly defeated barbarians and kings in identical fashion during his reign. Using the re-establishment of education and order, Charlemagne was able to save many political rights and restore culture in Western Europe. Early Life Charlemagne was born in 742 A. D. , to a very famous and well-known family. Charlemagnes grandfather was Charles Martel, the man who was responsible for the defeat of the Saracens. Charlemagne was also the eldest son of Bertrade (also known as Bertha Greatfoot) and Pepin the Short, the first to become king of the Franks. With the almost full extinction of schools in the 8th century, many historians say that Charlemagne received very little education, but did learn the art of reading from Bertrade. The one thing that kept Charlemagne motivated throughout his entire life was his deep devotion to the church. Charlemagne was a tall young man with light blond hair, and was described by his secretary as, face laughing and merry. . . his appearance was always stately and dignified. (World book 452) Charlemagne had great wit, but was stern at times. He had simple and moderate tastes; he enjoyed hunting, riding and swimming. Charlemagne had a large wardrobe with many Frankish dresses, linen shirts and breeches, silk-fringed tunics, hoses wrapped with bands, and for the winter he had coats made of otter or marten skins. Charlemagne asked his people to improve their lifestyles, but he divorced two of his four fives without any given cause. Charlemagnes Reign In 768 A. D. , Charlemagne at the age of 26, along with his brother Carloman inherited the kingdom of Franks. However, in 771 A. D. Carloman died, making Charlemagne the sole ruler of the kingdom. At this time the northern part of Europe was out of order and unruly. In the south, the Roman Catholic Church was asserting itself alongside the Lombard kingdom in Italy. While in Charlemagnes own kingdom, the people were becoming and acting as barbarians and neglecting education and faith. But Charlemagne was determined to make his kingdom as strong as possible. In 772 A. D. , Charlemagne put forth a 30-year campaign to conquer and Christianize the extremely mighty Saxons in the north. He charged over the Avars, a large tribe on the Danube. He forced the Bavarians to surrender to him. When possible Charlemagne attempted to settle his conflicts peacefully. However, he was forced to use brute in some situations. For instance, Charlemagne offered to pay Desiderius for the return of lands to the pope, but after Desiderius refused, Charlemagne seized the kingdom of Desiderius and restored the Papal States. The most important aspect of Charlemagnes conquests was his uncanny ability to organize. Charlemagne sent out more than 50 military missions during his time in power and he led the missions as commander more than half of the time. He was able to lead his troops through vast lands in unprecedented times, but his every move was planned ahead of time. Before every crusade, he informed all those involved the number of men needed, the weapons required, and he even went as far as to tell what should be in the supply wagons. These tactics were later studied and used by another great man, Napoleon. .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .postImageUrl , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:hover , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:visited , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:active { border:0!important; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:active , .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucffd079d4cc44d96b09dbd98ad3a3e7c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Great Depression EssayOne of the smallest campaigns undertaken by Charlemagne became on of the most well known. In 778 A. D. , Charlemagne led his troops into Spain and laid an attack on Saragossa. The movement failed and upon their recoil they were attacked from the rear and Count Roland one of the leaders of the group was killed in that battle. Roland went on to become a hero in medieval songs. By 800 A. D. Charlemagne was the sole ruler of Western Europe. His immense kingdom included what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It also covered half of present-day Italy and Germany, part of Austria, and the Spanish March. This Spanish March stretched to the Ebro River. Through his establishment of a single government over the entire Western Europe, Charlemagne re-established much of the old Roman Empire, which paved the way for the progress of present-day Europe. Crowned Emperor It was on Christmas Day in 800 A. D. that while praying in St. Peters in Rome, Pope Leo III approached Charlemagne with a golden crown and placed it on the head of the king. The crowd in the church shouted concurrently, To Charles the August, crowned by God, great and pacific emperor, long life and victory! Comptons 347) It is said that Charlemagne was surprised by what happened and stated that he would not have come into the church had he known the popes plan. However, other historians say that the pope would not have gambled doing what he did without Charlemagnes knowing about it. (Comptons 347) Reform and Renaissance Charlemagne was a very noble man and he had great compassion for the peasant people and had a belief that that government was in place to benefit those that it governed. When Charlemagne came into power many of the people working under him were very careless and sometimes unfair. To change the ways of these people Charlemagne expanded their work, wrote down everything they did and forced them to work in groups of people. This helped those lacking in their work effort to restore some law and order. Two times a year Charlemagne would summon the leading man in the kingdom to talk about the happenings going around. Charlemagne always had the final word in everything including church matters. Charlemagne was determined in establishing improvement in lives of his people. By setting up money values he encouraged trade, he attempted to build a Rhine-Danube canal, and gave advice on different farming techniques. Charlemagne preached the most on education and Christianity to his people. He was responsible for the restoration of Palace School at Aachen, his capital. He also set up other schools for noble boys as well as peasants. Charlemagne was very devoted to education and he never stopped studying himself. He brought in scholars of many languages to his courts. He learned to read in Latin, some Greek, however, he was not too keen of mastering writing. During his dinners, he preferred to have men reading books to him rather than having jesters performing. For his churches, Charlemagne sent his monks to Rome to learn to sing. For his art collections, Charlemagne brought some valuable pieces from Italy. In the cathedral at Aachen there is a large monument, which stands in loyalty to Charlemagne for his religious devotion. Charlemagne built and was buried in the cathedral in Aachen. At the time of Charlemagnes death in 814 A. D. only one of his three sons, Louis, was alive. Louis had a weak ruling after his father, which brought on many civil wars and rebellions. Charlemagne brought back order to Western Europe; he led his people to many victories and was responsible for the rise of Western Europe.