Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

In many cases, science involves theories that may not be physically proved under most circumstances. However, it is very clear to me that a scientific career is a comprehensive endeavor and requires focus and dedication. To appreciate science, a person needs to have an open mind and be receptive to the efforts of scientists to explain events that occurred million of years ago. The only way that we can understand our universe is through science.  Clive Thompson writes persuasively that science theories are not taking seriously because we misunderstood the word “theory”. The general meaning of “theory” is an idea but in the science field, a “theory” is a concept that requires an extensive research commitment. Some scientists believe that they should modify their lexicon to reflect this distinction.  For example, the theory of the evolution should be the law of the evolution. In any event, the universe should be explored to unravel its many mysteries. If a people do not trust academic knowledge, they are always free to conduct their own independent investigation.

Hitting Bottom: Why America Should Outlaw Spanking

Emily Bazelon wrote an article opposing California assemblywoman, Sally Lieber’s proposal to ban spanking. Emily Bazelon’s viewpoint is shared by the majority of individuals responding to a poll pertaining to Lieber’s bill.  The poll reflected that only twenty-three percent of poll respondents supported the Lieber bill.  Bazelon rejected the strong language in the bill to support her argument because she considers spanking to be crucial disciplinary tool.  Bazelon supports her thesis by citing statistics from other countries that prohibit this disciplinary action. For example, spanking children is prohibited in Sweden.  Moreover, Bazelon cites a United States survey that reflects that eighty-four percent of American parents believe that spanking is necessary. Bazelon considered counter arguments in her critique and attacked arguments in Lieber’s proposal.  Specifically, Bazelon argues that the real purpose of the proposal is to help prosecutors bring charges against abusive parents and not necessarily send parents to jail or send children to foster care. I believe that Bazelon’s article is controversial but fairly considers a parents’ need to discipline children versus protecting children from the physical and emotional abuse associated with spanking.  

Shrek’s Robin Hood Scene

Seeing a beautiful and fragile princess fighting in the style of The Matrix may be either funny or disappointing. Most children have grown up with fairy tales with the beautiful princess waiting for her charming prince to rescue and protect her. Usually, the princess has a strong belief of true love and lives happily ever after. It is not common to have a princess fight to protect the knight who rescues her. Now, women prefer to be treated with the same basic rights as men under most circumstances. The reason why I selected the scene in which Princess Fiona fights and defeats Robin Hood and his men for my critical analysis is because this scene is symbolic of breaking stereotypes. I believe that this specific scene represents a new model of strong and smart princesses.

Cool Running

Nancy Gibbs wrote about the moral puzzle regarding Oscar Pistorious. Pistorious is a South Africa runner who won gold in the 200 meters at the Athens Paralympics in 2004. Pistorious planned to compete in Olympics in Beijing in 2008 but was banned from participating because he had his lower legs amputated when he was a year old. Pistorious use of prosthetic limbs caused the International of Athletes Federation (IAAF) to disqualify Pistorius from Olympic competition.  Gibbs used an ethical approach to examine the issue because that story has two faces. First, if a person has a disability the mean that person couldn’t have athlete’s dreams, because will be banned for use technology and that will be considered an advantage. Second, if the person has a natural talent, that person needs to be banner, because competition required equal participant.

I have mixed emotions as to whether the decision to ban Pistorious was right or wrong. Pistorius’ situation is an ethical issue of whether natural talent outweighs technological advantage.

Rob Sheffield, Rumblefish

I read The Playback; a chapter from Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield. Sheffield wrote about the last tape his dead wife created. I did not have any prior knowledge of this story. Further, I did not know that Rob Sheffield is well known as a former radio D. J. and editor and columnist for Rolling Stones magazine. Reading The Playback, I perceived the writer as nostalgic because he was reminiscing about the past. Sheffield described very detailed information about music and creating a mix tape. Next, Sheffield introduced a very personal story about the first time he met his wife Renee. Sheffield’s narration was so emotional and raw that it made me cry. I empathized with the pain and sorrow that he felt because I knew that he eventually lost his wife. I began to feel anxious about the outcome of the chapter. The historical context and the organization of The Playback captured my attention despite not being familiar with the author or mix tapes.