Epistemological Turn in European Scientific Rationality :: Science Essays

Epistemological Turn in European Scientific Rationality ABSTRACT: If the 17th century could be considered the century of the reformation of science, the present century is one of counterreformation in every sense of the word. The ideology of this century can be seen in the titanic efforts to complete the development of science which foundation was laid in the 17th and 18th centuries, in the outright failures, and in attempts at reconstructing the foundation (e.g., Hilbert's formalization program, GÃ ¶del's incompleteness theorem, Charlier's theory of a hierarchic universe, Fridman's evolutionary cosmology, Newton's mechanics, relativistic and/or quantum mechanics in physics, the logical turn of the Vienna circle and epistemological anarchism in methodology). Our task is to reveal the essence of the turning points in 20th century science and to determine at least the general outlines, if not the cause, of the new type of rationality that is replacing the old one. I will focus on the history of cosmology, or rather on its three paradigms t hat have succeeded each other in this century: Newtonian, Fridmanian and the inflationary paradigms. By outlining the problem, I will pose a possible solution from clarifying changes in the value orientations, ideals and norms of scientific research to their possible generalization. If the 17th century could be considered the century of the reformation of science, the present century is one of counterreformation in every sense of the word. Ever since the turn of the century, the same ideology has been in existence: titanic efforts to complete the development of the science whose foundation was laid in the 17th and 18th centuries and outright failures followed by the reconstruction of the foundation. There are many exemples, some of them very striking: Hilbert's formalisation program and Godel's incompleteness theorem in mathematics, Charlier's theory of a hierarchic universe and Fridman's theory of the evolutionary universe in cosmology, Newton's mechanics and relativistic and quantum mechanics in physics, and finally, the logical program of the Vienna circle and epistemological anarchism in methodology. Our task is to reveal the essence of the turning points in 20th centuries science history and to try to determine at least the general outlines, if not the cause, of the new type of rationality that is succeeding (or has already succeeded) the old one. Needless to say, we are obviously unable to embrace all branches of knowledge ; therefore, we will confine ourselves to the history of cosmology, or rather to its three paradigms that successively prevailed in this century : Newtonian, Fridman's and inflationary.

Case Study Goodyear

[pic] Group 2 Nikhil JainPGP/12/184 Midhun SPGP/12/222 Shamin SPGP/12/232 Sherief RasheedPGP/12/234 Zubin Kabeer T. PGP/12/246 Neerja ChowdaryPGP/12/259 Key Issues: How can Goodyear be more competitive and maintain its leader position? How to launch Aquatred effectively? Factors to be taken into consideration: Intense competition †¢ many players in the industry, both branded and private label †¢ Michelin, was growing very fast in both replacement and OEM market †¢ private label had become the biggest threat for all branded tires since many branded tire owners intended to replace their tires with private label. Changes in consumer preferences †¢ 45% of tire buyers thought that price was the most important factor †¢ 33% for the outlets and 22% for the brand Segmentation of consumers: ? price-constrained buyers (22%), ? commodity buyers (37%), ? value-oriented buyers (18%), ? quality buyers (23%). †¢ Buyers turning into commodity buyers †¢ Goodyear had the highest percentage among price-constrained buyers (16%) and commodity buyers (10%), †¢ 24% of value-oriented buyers and 22% of quality buyers intended to buy Michelin tires. Michelin’s consumers had high loyalty to the brand more than Goodyear’s. Goodyear distribution channels †¢ Three main distribution channels of Goodyear: ? 4,400 independent dealers accounting for 50% of sales revenues ? 1,047 manufacturer-owned outlets generating 27% of sales ? 600 franchised dealers accounting for another 8% of sales †¢ Industry Statistics (retail channels) ? garages/service stations (6%) ? warehouse clubs (6%) ? mass merchandisers (12%) ? manufacturer-owned outlets (9%) ? small independent tire dealers (40%) ? large independent tire chains (23%) Inferences ? Goodyear might have too few channels of distribution ? company could lose tire customers whose preferred outlets had no Goodyear tires ? Goodyear claimed not to want its tires sold in low-priced outlets, they sporadically obtained Goodyear tires New product launched: Aquatred Issues †¢ Aquatred was a new tire providing improved driving traction under wet conditions. †¢ ‘was it the right product for the dealers and for the consumer, as the industry seemed to be turning toward long-life warranties and low-cost private label? †¢ planned to launch during the Winter Olympics in January of 1992. †¢ the initial inventory of Aquatreds had been made to fit only domestic cars and molds to produce other sizes would not be available until several months after the Olympics. †¢ Goodyear hoped to price the Aquatred at a 10% premium over the existing most-expensive tire. †¢ company research stated that more customers were price-sensitive, the company doubted whether the customers would be interested in Aquatred. Possible Solutions: †¢ figure out the core competencies and differentiate from the competitors. Tire being a commodity product, is difficult to differentiate. Therefore, the company should emphasize on other aspects, for example, strong brand image, and outstanding customer services. †¢ To make customers loyal to the brand implement customer relationship management or CRM. It is the system to establish and retain long-term relationship with the customers. The Advantages of CRM †¢ Standardize – All departments that had to deal with customers would have real-time and same format of database to serve all customers. Quicker – As the information was real-time, the company could provide faster cross-function services to the customers. †¢ Know what they want – The customers’ database shows previous purchasing data and the preferences of all customers, which the company could use to forecast the trends and serve what customers really want. The Disadvantages of CRM ? Costly – CRM software is highly priced, and hidden costs involved, for example, training session. ? Resistance – people don’t like change, some people might even resist. The company had to give time for employees to adapt themselves with new things. †¢ Goodyear has few channels of distribution, hence find more and new ones. From the fact that Michelin sold its tires in low-priced outlets and wasn’t perceived as low-price tires, Goodyear might also be able to do it if the company had right pricing strategy. Firstly, Goodyear should evaluate which channel would be suitable for the company, and then test with one outlet from each channel that the company selected for three months. Make the final decision about which channel should Goodyear expand into. Aquatred is the right product for Goodyear. Most people perceive tire as commodity product for long because no player came out with very innovative product. Aquatred could gain first mover advantage as it was very innovative one. Also, from Goodyear’s survey, the second most important tire attributes was wet traction. Therefore, Aquatred would get attention from many customers who conce rn about tire’s quality. †¢ Aquatred should be launched as soon as possible. It’s innovative product, which could gain highest profitability only when being the first mover. Although price was an important factor to be considered when customers wanted to purchase tire, there were still customers who concerned about quality more than price. Aquatred should focus more on quality buyers and value-oriented buyers. In addition, Goodyear could acknowledge the customers that Aquatred was only $8. 2 – 8. 5 more expensive than the existing most-expensive tire. Recommendations: †¢ As Goodyear is the market leader, being innovative and doing lots of researches to observe the trends and changing in consumer preferences are the right things. As it was estimated that 75% of all Goodyear tires sold in independent or company-owned outlets were sold on an average discount of 25%, it implies that the company might have too many promotions. Finally, the consumers wouldnà ¢â‚¬â„¢t come to buy Goodyear tires at full price and it could affect company’s image, too. †¢ Goodyear needs a loyalty program to establish and retain relationship with consumers as soon as possible before they switch to other branded tires, like Michelin, or private label tires that had lower price than Goodyear. The company should find a way to compromise with independent dealers about competition in the areas, while expand more distribution channels and find more new retail formats, like Just Tires. †¢ In order to launch Aquatred effectively, Goodyear needs cooperation from every department, especially marketing department. Integrated marketing communication is very important to create awareness of the customers. Focusing on the word â€Å"innovation† and â€Å"safety under wet conditions†.

Kinetic Chemistry

The name of the course: Kinetic Chemistry The student name : Wejdan Mohammed Al-Otaibi Teacher name :Razan SnariGroup namber :1The year : 2017/2018Spectrophotometry: is a device to measure the amount of light in the material used. This device consists of two parts: the first is the light source, and the second is the photometer . the work principle of this device : the liquid or material that we want to measure the elements inside is placed in a tub, this tube is then placed between the light source and the photometer . so that the amount of light passing through the sample is measured by photometer. When a photometer is exposed to light, it acquires or generates an electrical signal that changes with the amount of light absorbed by the liquid . this change in light absorption depends on the change in the concentration of the substance. the way work this device: this device it measures the absorption of light by liquid materials at different wavelengths, and thus can identify a number of unknown substances or calculate known concentrations of materials . 22288507372350 Stepped flow Technique:is a rapid mixing device, to study the kinetics of quick chemical reactions in solutions . this device contains two reactants which are kept in separate reservoirs and are prevented from flowing freely . the interaction starts by installing the reactants in the device. these materials are then released to the mixing chamber, which mixes these interacting materials , the reaction is then monitored by observing the change in the absorption of the reaction solution . When the reaction progresses, it fills the â€Å"stop syringe† that expands until it reaches the point at which the interaction reaches a continuous flow , thus stopping flow or interaction27527257162800Sodium reacts strongly and quickly with water and produces a solution of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, a colorless solution. During the reaction sodium can be heated and It may ignite and burn with an orange flame . Hydrogen gas released during the combustion process reacts with oxygen in the air . the resulting solution is basic because of the melting of sodium in the water. this interaction between sodium and water is an exothermic reaction. sodium reaction with water is the closest to explosion. Na +2 H2O ?2 NaOH + H2. This search used this interaction and because it is fast, it uses the stepped-flow techniques method to control it Rate=-d[Na]dt=-12d[H2O]dt=12d[NaOH]dt+d[H2]dt Reverences:Physical chemistry for the life sciences –Thomas EngelCompendium of Chemical TerminologyPhysical chemistry for the life sciences-Peter Atkins , Julio De PaulaAdvances in standards and methodology in spectrophotometry ,K.D.Mielen

Social Barriers in Gattaca Essays

Social Barriers in Gattaca Essays Social Barriers in Gattaca Paper Social Barriers in Gattaca Paper The society of Cattle separates its citizens into categories based on their genetic makeup, thus segregating its citizens into distinct categories. The most prominent social barrier evident in Cattle is the one isolating the natural born from the genetically modified. Vincent, being a God-child, was regarded by society as a second class citizen for his genetic inferiority. Vincent experiences rejection at a very young age. Due to his heart condition he was deemed too great a risk to attend kindergarten with the so called normal children. No one wanted to be held responsible should he fall ill whilst under their care. At such a tender and impressionable age, it was made painfully obvious to Vincent that he was not like the other children. The tall, imposing gate of the kindergarten slammed in Vincent face seems symbolic of the social chasm lying between Vincent and the valid children. In this scene, the movie utilizes a close up shot of Vincent small, childish hand gripping the thick, steel bar of the kindergarten gate to further emphasizes to the audience of Vincent rejection. Not only Is Vincent discriminated against by society, his family, to an extent, also ejected him. Niccole shows this emotional distance between Vincent and his family In a number of subtle ways. Many times we are shown Anton conversing happily with his parents while Vincent stands off to the side. At meal times we see Vincent sitting at the coffee table studying the theories of space travel whilst his family sits around the dining table. In the family photo we see Anton standing In the middle of his mother and father while Vincent stands off to the side. Vincent father rejects him at birth, refusing to give his first-born son his name. He continues to view his son as a bystander member of society as Vincent grows up, saying to him that the only way youll see the Inside of a space ship Is If you were cleaning It. Vincent Isolation from mainstream society exacerbates as he enters adulthood. He and his fellow Invalids were considered to be of the lowest social class and given the most menial and unsanitary of Jobs. Whilst working as a Janitor at Cattle, Vincent looks up through the glassed roof at the launching of a rocket ship, the medium shot of his face showing the audience the captivation he felt at coming face to face with his dream. Separated from his aspirations by a thin panel of glass, Vincent narrated that he had never been more certain of how far he was away from his goals than when he was standing right beside It. Later, with the borrowed Identity of Jerome, Vincent once again looks up at the glassed ceiling at the rocket ships, this time as a prized employee of Cattle. This scene contrasts with the previous, and shows Vincent achievements In breaching the seemingly Impenetrable social barrier between himself and the socially elite. By Eddie Not only is Vincent discriminated against by society, his family, to an extent, also rejected him. Niccole shows this emotional distance between Vincent and his family in the dining table. In the family photo we see Anton standing in the middle of his youll see the inside of a space ship is if you were cleaning it. Vincent isolation from mainstream society exacerbates as he enters adulthood. He and his fellow invalids were considered to be of the lowest social class and given the when he was standing right beside it. Later, with the borrowed identity of Jerome, Vincent once again looks up at the glassed ceiling at the rocket ships, this time as a Vincent achievements in breaching the seemingly impenetrable social barrier

10 Fascinating Facts About Titanium

10 Fascinating Facts About Titanium Titanium is found in surgical implants, sunscreen, aircraft, and eyeglass frames. Here are 10 titanium facts you may find interesting and helpful. Titanium is named for the Titans in mythology. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the gods of Earth. The ruler of the Titans, Cronus, was overthrown by the younger gods, led by  his son, Zeus (ruler of the Olympian gods).The original name for titanium was  manaccanite. The metal was discovered in 1791 by  William Gregor, who  was a pastor in a village in South Cornwall of the United Kingdom called  Manaccan. Gregor reported his finding to the  Royal Geological Society of Cornwall  and published it in the German science journal  Crells Annalen. Usually, the discoverer of an element names it, so what happened? In 1795,  German  chemist  Martin Heinrich Klaproth independently discovered the metal and named it titanium, for the Greek Titans. Klaproth found out about Gregors earlier discovery and confirmed the two elements were one and the same. He credited Gregor with the elements discovery. However, the metal  was not isolated in pure form until 1910, by  meta llurgist Matthew Hunter of  Schenectady, New York, who went with the name titanium for the element. Titanium is an abundant element. It is the 9th most abundant element in the Earths crust. It occurs naturally in the human body, in plants, in seawater, on the Moon, in meteors, and in the Sun and other stars. The element is only found bonded with other elements, not free in nature in its pure state. Most titanium on Earth is found in igneous (volcanic) rocks. Nearly every igneous rock contains titanium.Although titanium is used in many products, nearly 95% of the metal that is purified is used to make titanium dioxide, TiO2. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment used in paint, sunscreen, cosmetics, paper, toothpaste, and many other products.One of titaniums characteristics is extremely high strength to weight ratio. Although it is 60% more dense than aluminum, it is more than twice as strong. Its strength is comparable to that of steel, but titanium is 45% lighter.Another notable characteristic of titanium is its high corrosion resistance. The resistance is so high, it is estimated ti tanium would only corrode to the thickness of a sheet of paper after 4,000 years in seawater! Titanium is used in medical implants and for jewelry because it is considered non-toxic and non-reactive. However, titanium actually is reactive and fine titanium shavings or dust are a fire hazard. The non-reactivity is associated with the passivation of titanium, which is where the metal forms an oxide layer on its outer surface, so the titanium  does not continue to react or degrade. Titanium can ossointegrate, meaning bone can grow into an implant. This makes the implant much stronger than it would be otherwise.Titanium containers may have application for the long term storage of nuclear waste. Because of high corrosion resistance, titanium containers may last up to 100,000 years.Some 24k gold isnt actually pure gold, but rather, an alloy of gold and titanium. The 1% titanium is not enough to change the karat of the gold, yet produces a metal that is much more durable than pure gold.Titanium is a transition metal. It has some properties commonly seen in other metals, such as hi gh strength and melting point (3,034  °F or  1,668  °C). Unlike most other metals it is not a particularly good conductor of heat or electricity and is not very dense. Titanium is non-magnetic.

Housing Market in U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Housing Market in U.S - Essay Example The bubble finally bursts. In housing bubble, very low interest rates and a consequent loosening of credit underwriting standards attract many borrowers in the market. In this case, a decline in demand due to high interest rates and a tightening of credit standards leads to bursting of the bubble. This paper discusses in depth about the rise and fall of the housing market in U.S. and its impact in the society. Scholarly research depicts that an economic bubble is difficult to identify with the exception of in hindsight. However, a number of cultural and economic factors have led to justification of the argument of several economists that a housing bubble existed in the U.S. As an economic bubble, the United States housing bubble grew up alongside the stock bubble in the mid-90s. Usually, low interest always motivates firms to borrow more and invest more. In this case, assets that are more productive match greater indebtedness (Shiller, 2006). However, the U.S housing market interest rates greatly differed with the investment. Although the country’s economy grew, many American families had to borrow more debt to refinance their mortgages and spend some of the proceeds. As long as the housing prices rose due to lower interest rates, the Americans ignored the growing indebtedness. An increase in demand in the supply of housing led to an ultimate increase in price. An incredible increase in price incorporated most affected areas into expectations that made homebuyers pay more than they would have otherwise thus making the expectations self-fulfilling. To attract many people in borrowing more money, credit standards were lowered thus fueling growth in the so-called subprime mortgages. Additionally, new products were invented lowering upfront payments and making it easier for individuals to take bigger mortgages. The biggest problem that arose from these mortgages was that some had negative amortization (Baker, 2002). This is because payments made by some of t he borrowers did not even meet the interest due thus making the debt grow more. By 2002, the housing prices had shoot to nearly 30 percent even after adjusting for inflation. Statistical analysis evidences an impact of housing prices to the housing market upon a speculative bubble rather than the fundamentals. To fuel the housing market, Federal Reserve Board chairperson Alan Greenspan suggested that it was much better for homebuyers to procure houses on flexible rates rather than set rates since this would enable them pay for the house at ease. In 2003, homebuyers had the opportunity to afford larger mortgages due to the adjustable rates that were available at that moment. The lower interest rates hastened the run-up in house prices hence increasing at a supplementary 31.6 percent. On the other hand, the run-ups had predictable effect on savings and consumption. Consumption increased thus lowering the savings rate by 1 percent (Hardaway, 2011). Several factors contributed to the ri se of the housing bubble. One major factor encompasses the desire of people to own too many houses. Many of the Americans despite their incapability of managing many houses went ahead and purchased them rather than renting houses, which is alternatively cheaper. Buying the houses for speculation rather than shelter was another insight to housing bubble. Due to the wealth possessed by most of the Americans, they decided to

Lack of Motivation & Coaching in the Workplace Research Proposal

Lack of Motivation & Coaching in the Workplace - Research Proposal Example Lack of motivation and coaching at a work place can be deteriorating for an organization’s human resource health. The capital may not be motivated to work hard enough, resulting in a lower level of performance that may cost the organization its market position in a competitive environment today (John, 2005). Without coaching, a person may not be able to take the best decisions, which may come to him with experience or when an experienced person advices them. Therefore, coaching acts as a make shift tool for the knowledge management of an organization and is equally important. Research has shown that highly motivated individuals in an organization produce work efficiently, in lesser time and better quality when compared to their counterparts in the same or different organizations. Therefore, research on the implications of the lack of motivation and coaching in the workplace is very important for organizations to understand its importance (Robert, 2007). It is highly important that the employees are motivated in the right context and put their best effort towards the organization; the goals of the organization as well as the employees should be matched in such a manner that they work in unison. Meeting the coaching needs of an employee would help them to make better decisions regarding the day to day operations as well as their career, further motivating them to work harder. The negative impact that may arise due to lack of motivation and coaching in the work place are theoretically tremendous. Organizations may face a high employee turnover rate if the organizations don’t take steps to motivate their employees enough. The question arises that what kind of initiatives should be taken to motivate the employees at the workplace (John, 2001). Also, the impact of having no coaching initiatives in an organization may be tremendous; therefore, is coaching and motivation necessary for the employees to produce their