Eng

Assignment #7 due Wed 3/8 and 3/9 (respectively):

In a response of 500-700 words, please consider the following.

In the final chapter of The Hidden Reality, Brian Greene writes that “Sometimes science focuses on details. It tells us why planets travel in elliptical orbits, why the sky is blue, why the water is transparent, why my desk is solid. (…) Sometimes science takes a larger view. It reveals that we live within a galaxy containing a few hundred billion stars, it establishes that ours is but one of hundreds of billions of galaxies, and it provides evidence for unseen dark energy permeating every nook and cranny of this vast arena. (…) Sometimes science does something else. Sometimes it challenges us to reexamine our view of sciences itself” (364).

Considering our ongoing discussions about the social aspects of science and scientific research (paradigms, “assent of the relevant community,” etc.), how do you see the above quote fitting into this narrative? What does it seem to suggest about the role of science and research? How do you see Greene’s work in The Hidden Reality functioning in this capacity? Finally, given your responses to the previous questions, what does that suggest about how the book is functioning rhetorically (i.e. what seems to be its purpose and exigency, etc.)?

Please upload your work to BOTH Expressions and Blackboard.