49 results for "Science"
Genetics, Mass Media and Identity: A Case Study of the Genetic Research on the Lemba
This is the first book to explore the effect of genetic research on the Lemba Judaising community of Southern Africa and the phenomenon of Israelite identity. The science of genetics as relayed by the media is perceived by laymen as being irreproachably objective 'hard science': its disinterested 'scientific' findings appear immensely impressive and may therefore act as a powerful catalyst for change. In this case, an oral tradition cherished by many of the Lemba that they are of Jewish origin appears to be supported by recent DNA testing, which has deeply affected the narrative and religious identity of the group and the way the tribe is perceived in the Western world. International in appeal, this topical text brings together cutting-edge research on the social, cultural and ethical implications of genetics and the study of Judaising movements across the world. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of Jewish history, genetic anthropology, race and ethnicity studies, and religious and cultural studies.
Hot talk, cold science: global warming's unfinished debate
Designed to appeal to lay readers and specialists alike, this concise, scientific analysis refutes the pessimistic global warming scenarios depicted in the media. In addition to covering better-known topics such as the climate record, computer models, and the effects of clouds, oceans, and greenhouse gases, the book also provides an in-depth examination of less frequently discussed issues including the inaccuracies in historical climate data, the limitations of attempting to model climate on computers, solar variability and its impact on climate, and factors that could mitigate any human impacts on world climate. Potential upsides related to global warming and the extreme financial consequences that economically disadvantaged groups and nations would suffer as a result of many of the proposed solutions are identified.
The Quantum Theory
THE old saying that small causes give rise to great effects has been confirmed more than once in the history of physics. For, very frequently, inconspicuous differences be- tween theory and experiment (which did not, however, escape the vigilant eye of the investigator) have become starting- points of new and important researches. Out of the well-known Michelson-Morley experiment, which, in spite of the application of the most powerful methods of exact optical measurement, failed to show an influence of the earth's movement on the propagation of light as was predicted by classical theory, there arose the great structure of Einstein's Theory of Eelativity. In the same way the trifling difference between the measured and calculated values of black-body radiation gave rise to the Quantum Theory which, formulated by Max Planck, was destined to revolutionise in the course of time almost all departments of physics. The quantum theory is yet comparatively young. It is therefore not surprising that we are confronted with an unfinished theory still in process of development which, changing constantly in many directions, must often destroy what it has built up a short time before. But under such circumstances as these, in which the theory is continually deriving new nourishment from a fresh stream of ideas and suggestions, there is a peculiar fascination in attempting to review the life-history of the quantum theory to the present time and in disclosing the kernel which will certainly out- last changes of form, 1 CHAPTER I The Origin of the Quantum Hypothesis § I. Black-Body Radiation and its Realisation in Practice THE Quantum Theory &st saw light in 1900. When, in the years immediately preceding (1897-1899), Lummer and Pringsheim made their fundamental measurements ' of black-body radiation at the Beichsanstalt, they could ba.ve had no premonition that their careful experiments would become the starting-point of a revolution such as has seldom occurred in physics. In the field of heat radiation chief interest at that time was centred in the radiation of a black body (briefly called " black- body " radiation), that is, of a body which absorbs completely all radiation which falls on it and which thus reflects, trans- mits, and scatters 2 none. We may shortly call to mind the following facts. It is known that any body at a given temperature sends out energy in the form of radiation into the surrounding space. This radiation is not energy in a single simple form but is made up of a number of single radiations of different colours, i.e. of different wave-lengths X or of different frequencies s v. In other words, it forms in general a spectrum in which radiations of all frequencies between v = and v = oo are represented. Further, these radiations are present in varying " intensities." We define this term thus. Consider the radiation emitted from unit surface of the body per second in a certain direction ; break it up spectrally and cut out of the spectrum a small frequency interval dv such that it contains all frequencies between v and V + dv. The energy of radiation E^ thus sliced out (namely, the emissivity of the body for the frequency v)
David Riesman's unpublished writings and continuing legacy
This volume recasts and reintroduces Riesman by presenting newly discovered and unpublished manuscripts of his work, including excerpts from a previously unpublished critical biography of Freud that Riesman began with this assistant at the time, Philip Rieff, an interview in which Riesman describes in detail his early biography and his route into the social sciences, and other research notes and memoranda. With additional chapters analyzing the unpublished works, as well as discussions of Riesman as a public intellectual, his multi-disciplinary method of understanding society and his connections with figures such as Goffman and Fromm, this book will appeal to scholars of sociology, social theory and the history of American social science.
The scientific traveler: a guide to the people, places, and institutions of Europe
Full of intriguing information on historical sites relating to scientific discoveries in Europe, including Eastern Europe and Russia. Covers locales from all periods in history such as cave paintings in the Vezere Valley, France; Einstein's apartment in Bern, Switzerland; wall depictions of the Periodic Table in St. Petersburg; Stonehenge in Great Britain. Features contemporary institutions and museums including their hours of operation, maps, general directions from central locations, plus extensive historical and biographical narratives as well as photographs.
The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony
A pioneering look at first marriages lasting five years or less and ending without children, Paul’s book “will be a lesson to those contemplating marriage and a comfort to those who falter” ( The Economist ). What is it about marriage that makes today’s twenty- and thirtysomethings want it so badly? And why do so many of their marriages, despite high hopes and desires, end in divorce? Nobody goes into a starter marriage expecting to divorce and trade up to something better, but like a starter home, a starter marriage can teach you a lot about what to look for, and what to avoid, the next time around. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with starter-marriage vets, Pamela Paul explores why young people are jumping in and out of marriage, and what lessons can be drawn from their failures. She shows how starter marriages can be avoided, and why lifelong marriage is still a desirable, achievable option for the next marrying generation.
Sociology in Britain A Survey of Research
Compares the problems and results in sociology in Britain to the United States to show how the issue is bound to take a different form in a country where intermittent labor governments stress the importance of planning.