Upto 60% Off on UPSC Online Courses

Avail Now

Q. [ Weekly Essay ] Science is the acceptance of what works and the rejection of what does not. That needs more courage than we might think (1200 words ).

How to approach the essay

Introduction

  • Introduce with a story that explains the meaning of the topic.
  • Explain the thesis behind the quote with standard ideas of science.

Body

  • Explain the topic on a temporal and spatial scale where rejection and acceptance lead to scientific advancement.
  • Explain why courage is essential in science.

Conclusion 

  • Conclude on the line  of scientific temper of society . 

                   It is a story about making aeroplanes. The first human endeavour to fly like an eagle in the sky. But was it as easy a journey as a bird taking lift in the sky? So no. The Wright brothers started preparing aeroplanes. They initially used simple aerodynamic mechanisms but not focused on the idea of an engine. That yielded in continuing failure. But courage of acceptance and dedication to improve made them to easily accept the failures as well as courageously critically thinking on failure made them successful and achieve humanity’s new endeavour.

                 Also from a societal level acceptance and courage is necessary. See the story of one famous scientist Galileo Galile. His research on Astronomy rejected the idea of earth’s centricity, because of logical and scientific reasoning. He was correct but the society governed under church rule did not accept that findings. Superstitious church jailed Galileo and awarded him life imprisonment of 400 years. In 1992 NASA’s Endeavor in astronomy and scientific approval of the sun was at the centre of the solar system proved Galileo correct and the church also accepted the Galileo Research.

                Above mentioned two different angles of this essay shows SCIENCE IS THE ACCEPTANCE OF WHAT WORKS AND THE REJECTION OF WHAT DOESN’T. THAT NEEDS MORE COURAGE THAN WE MIGHT THINK. Science is one of the most important aspects of human society, helping us to understand the world around us and find ways to improve our lives. It is a constantly evolving field, with new discoveries and advancements being made all the time. However, scientific advances challenge long-held beliefs and traditions that require courage.

          In this essay, we will explore the importance of science and the courage required to embrace its discoveries and advancements. We will also examine some of the challenges that scientists face, including scepticism, resistance, and even intimidation. Then we will answer some questions like why people do not easily accept new things and evolutionary ideas and also, we will think about the scientific temper of society.

Understanding scientific discoveries through the eye of acceptance and rejection:

          Science is the acceptance of what works and the rejection of what does not. This statement is true on many levels. At its most basic, science involves the observation of the natural world, the formulation of theories to explain what is observed, and the testing of those theories through experiments. The goal of science is to gain a deeper understanding of the world and its workings, and to use that knowledge to improve our lives. Take the example of Newton, who basically observed things. A very simple observation of why apples fall on the earth revolutionised physics and mathematics.

           The scientific method is based on the principle of empirical evidence. This means that scientific theories are based on observations and experiments that can be repeated and verified by others. When a hypothesis is tested and found to be true, it is accepted as a scientific fact. However, when a hypothesis is tested and found to be false, it must be rejected. This process of accepting what works and rejecting what does not is at the heart of the scientific method.

           One of the most important aspects of science is its ability to produce reliable, repeatable results. When scientists discover something that works, they can be confident that it will continue to work under similar conditions. That means the base of previous research used for new one. That requires a lot of acceptance. Take the example of the double helical model of DNA, where Watson and Crick took the previous research of X ray model and formulated theory .  This is why science is so valuable in fields such as medicine, engineering, and agriculture. It allows us to create new technologies, develop new treatments, and increase our understanding of the natural world.

           However, the process of scientific discovery is not always smooth or straightforward. Ideas and theories are often challenged, and it can take years or even decades for new discoveries to be accepted. As we discussed in the example of Galileo. This is where the courage to accept what works and reject what does not, becomes so important.

            For example, consider the theory of evolution. When Charles Darwin first proposed his theory in the mid-1800s, it was met with scepticism and resistance. Many people were deeply invested in the idea of a divine creator, and the idea that living things could evolve over time seemed blasphemous. However, over the years, the evidence supporting the theory of evolution became overwhelming. Fossil records, genetic evidence, and observations of living organisms all pointed to the fact that Darwin was right. Today, the theory of evolution is widely accepted, and it has revolutionised our understanding of biology and the natural world.

           Another example of the courage required to accept scientific advances is the case of vaccinations. When vaccines were first developed, they were met with suspicion and even outright hostility. This was despite the fact that vaccines had been proven to be effective in preventing dangerous diseases like smallpox and polio. However, as more and more people were vaccinated and the benefits became clear, attitudes began to shift. Today, vaccines are widely accepted as one of the most important public health interventions ever developed.

           Of course, not all scientific advances are universally accepted. Some are more controversial than others, and they may take longer to be embraced by the wider community. Genetic engineering, for example, is an area of science that has generated a great deal of debate and resistance. Some people argue that genetic modification of organisms is “Playing God”, and that it is inherently wrong. Others argue that genetic engineering has the potential to save lives and improve the world in countless ways.

          Given the importance of science in our lives, it is concerning that some scientific discoveries are met with high level criticism. This is particularly true in areas such as climate change, where the stakes are high and the consequences of not taking action could be catastrophic. For example Indian agriculture is dependent on the monsoon and any wrong weather prediction and untimely extreme weather event creates loss to millions of farmers. Because of highlighting such issues climate scientists have been subjected to harassment, threats, and even violent attacks, simply for doing their jobs and reporting their findings.

Answering some questions : Obstacles in accepting:

In the next part of the discussion we will analyse some questions. First is why rejection in science is so important? Rejection is all about evolving things and knowing better ideas. Take the example of Anesthesia, initially people treated without anaesthesia, later on Aphu or some weed were used for it . But the evolution of chemical pharmacy prepared separate drugs for it. So doctors rejected earlier methods.

            There are many obstacles that can prevent scientists from accepting what works and rejecting what does not. One of the biggest obstacles is the pressure to conform to the opinions of others. In many fields of science, there is a prevailing orthodoxy that dictates what is acceptable and what is not. Scientists who challenge this orthodoxy risk being ostracized by their peers and losing funding for their research.

             Then the next important question is why scientists do not accept things and not show courage? Answer is the false pride and attitude of individuals.  Many scientists become emotionally attached to their theories and are reluctant to abandon them, even in the face of contradictory evidence. This is known as confirmation bias, and it can be a major impediment to scientific progress. But that did not yield good results in Scientific field. In the evolutionary world someone will counter those things. Light always flows in the same path countered by Research of black holes.                  

Developing social scientific temper : Increasing courage of all for acceptance .

First important thing is that we require education that promotes critical and rational thinking. Scientific temper is nothing but questioning attitude. Science is just finding and looking for ways to prove what is being read or heard. We need to inculcate the habit of critical thinking. Then required to improve communication between scientists and society. That will yield more analysis of new discoveries and critical examination of issues .

Also there is a necessity to integrate science into education. Our education let us down because while it gave us the weapon, it never taught us how to use it. Integrating science into education can help promote scientific temper. And Promote science education and values.

Conclusion :

             Above all discussion points highlight the need for scientists to have courage in the face of resistance and opposition. They must be willing to stand up for their findings, even if they are unpopular or go against the prevailing wisdom. This can be difficult, particularly if a scientist is working in a field that is politically charged or controversial. However, it is essential if we are to make progress and continue to advance as a society.

          Science is a vital part of human society, helping us to understand the world around us and improve our lives in countless ways. The courage to accept what works and reject what does not is essential if we are to continue making scientific progress and benefiting from its discoveries. However, this can be challenging, especially in fields that are controversial or politically charged. Scientists must be willing to stand up for what they believe in, despite the resistance they may face. By doing so, they can help to create a better world for all of us.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.