Recent orders
Critical Analysis of a Historical Science Example. This assignment is about DNA
Critical Analysis of a Historical Science: DNA
(Author’s name)
(Institutional Affiliation)
Introduction
As most scientists and academic professionals would argue, the blueprint for human life and existence lies in the deoxyribonucleic acid, known simply as the DNA (Williams, B. et al., n.d). Most people believe that the history of humanity lies solely in past and present evolutionary events. However, scientists argue that a closer examination of man’s genetic makeup provides more information regarding his evolution. Located in the nucleus of every cell in the human body, the DNA gives man his unique characteristic, thus explains his evolution throughout history. The discovery of the DNA in the 19th century is considered as one of the most momentous biological discoveries of all time (Williams, B. et al., n.d). Understanding the structure and function of the DNA has impacted science and medicine, with the most remarkable impact being illustrated in the evolution of man. The discovery of the DNA has facilitated the identification of genes, which in turn allows scientists in understanding the nature of diseases. Sequentially, this has allowed better diagnosis of diseases, and the creation of drugs to treat these diseases, something that is regarded as a crucial element in the evolution of man.
This paper examines the historical science of the DNA. The paper provides a critical analysis of how the historical science of the DNA portrays the crucial natures of science ideas while explaining the reasons why these ideas are significant. Conclusively, the paper explains the importance of educating students on the aspects of the nature of science from this historical approach.
Historical Science: DNA
Just like all other components of the history and philosophy of science, the science of the DNA comprises of an intricate history to explain how this science came about. In their article concerning the structure of the DNA, Williams et al. provide a brief history of the discovery of the DNA in science. The human DNA was discovered in the 19th century by the scientist, Freidrich Miescher in his quest for the awareness of cell chemistry (Williams, B. et al., n.d). Accordingly, Miescher discovered the existence of the nuclei in cells, thus prompting further research on the components of the human cells. The discovery of the nuclei suggested the transfer of traits between organisms, which, in turn, suggested the existence of DNA in the human cell. The years that preceded saw more scientists venture into the discovery of the DNA relying on their individual scientific hypothesis on the subject matter.
Various scientists performed experiments to gain more information on the issue. The most common experiments involved the observation of a stained human cell under the microscope for the discovery of the DNA in cells (Williams, B. et al., n.d). These experiments provided information and data that was used as evidence regarding the existence of DNA in the human cells. As mentioned before, more scientists ventured into the discovery of DNA with others focusing their scientific research studies on the verification of the non-existence of DNA in human cells (Williams, B. et al., n.d). Accordingly, each of these scientists depended on previous research studies in the formulation of their own, which in turn, led to the fortification of scientific information regarding DNA. Eventually, the scientists, James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins managed to prove the existence of DNA in human cells, thus building on the concept of the DNA as a blueprint of life (Williams, B. et al., n.d).
The Discovery of DNA and the Natures of Science Ideas
Concepts on the nature of science have been proposed as a way of explaining about science, as well as, scientific approaches. The ideas regarding the nature of science are numerous, and developed according to the development of science. Five crucial nature of science ideas have been identified in relation to the historical science of the DNA. They include the ideas that science demands evidence, science explains and predicts, science as a blend of logic and imagination, science as unbiased, as well as, the notion that science is not authoritarian. A closer examination of the historical science of DNA reveals the application of all of these ideas regarding the nature of science.
As explained earlier, proving the existence of DNA in human cells required plenty of scientific evidence, supporting the idea that science demands evidence. Without evidence, proving the existence of DNA in human cells would have been impossible (Williams, B. et al., n.d). Secondly, the discovery of DNA demanded a prediction of its existence, as well as, explaining this prediction and supporting it. This is something that the earliest scientists looking into the subject of DNA relied on heavily. Accordingly the historical science of DNA proves that science is neither biased nor authoritarian, as it required the contribution of many scientists for the establishment of the existence of DNA in human cells. The contributions of all scientists were regarded, and none was considered as being superior to the other (Williams, B. et al., n.d).
Significance of the Nature of Science Ideas
The nature of science ideas presented above are crucial for understanding the scientific process, as well as, how scientists work in the history and philosophy of science. In essence, the nature of science ideas expound on the common processes and procedures in various scientific disciplines such as the dependence on evidence, and the utilization of logic and imagination, among other things. These ideas elucidate on the concept, techniques, and information required for the creation of common scientific understanding. The idea that science demands evidence suggests a sense of validity in the scientific process. This is because scientists are required to provide proof that the information provided is true. Accordingly, this notion gives a sense of confidence in the scientific process, as well as, all scientific information.
The notion that science requires the use of logic and imagination elucidates on the role of scientific theories in science. More specifically, this idea suggests that scientific reasoning, in one way or another, needs to conform to logical reasoning. This, therefore, implies the use of common sense in science thus, the support of the ideologies provided by scientific research. The idea that science explains and predicts provides scientific research with the credibility it requires for the provision of scientific information. This, in turn, implies the ability of science to illustrate relationships between phenomena that appear unrelated in common understanding. Lastly, the ideas that science is not biased or authoritarian suggest that scientific information is comprehensive thus provides a sense of assurance in the information provided. In essence, the ideas on the nature of science facilitate comprehensive understanding of the scientific process, as well as, the crucial concepts of scientific research.
Importance to Students
Teaching students the aspects of the nature of science through this historical approach is imperative for the comprehension of some of the underlying aspects in science. As established, the historical science of the DNA allows students to understand the different ways in which man functions. This, in turn, allows students to be perceptive to the evolution of man and the factors that have aided in this evolution. Likewise, the historical science regarding the DNA will also assist students in understanding the aspects of the nature of science, as well as, their application in contemporary science. For example, by understanding the DNA structure, students gain knowledge of the components of the human body, thus can identify the different components and their uses in the body (Williams, B. et al., n.d). At the outset, student will learn the different methods of interpreting experimental data in science, as a way of gaining information regarding a particular subject matter.
As previously mentioned, the discovery of the DNA required the performance of numerous experiments as evidence of its existence. Accordingly, it was the role of the scientists involved to interpret the data collected from the experiments to provide proof for their discovery of the DNA. Through this historical approach, students will also have the ability to learn about objectivity by individual scientists and how scientific objectivity impacts scientific understanding. With this information, students understand that science is a collective process and procedure, and does not rely on the ideas provided by a single scientist. This will, in turn, encourage these students to engage in further scientific research, which is crucial for science. Conclusively students will also have the ability to tell the different ways through which misconceptions can be created and how these can be avoided in the scientific process.
References
Williams, B. et al., n.d. Model Building: Piecing Together the Structure of DNA. Retrieved
from: http://www.storybehindthescience.org/pdf/dna.pdf
The call of the prophet
Name
Lecturer
Course
Date
The call of the prophet
Introduction
Prophets are people who are set aside and are only held onto account by God alone. In most instances the prophet was expected to convey the message of God without expecting appraisal from the people. At the same time, there are instances where in the message presented by him or she may receive opposition. This is most often an indication that, his message is of God since, it is po9stulated by Jesus Christ that, Prophet are less often welcomed and rejection for sake of word of God is part and parcel of the divine ministry.
In the co temporal tines, there are many self proclaimed prophet who have mistaken the knowledge of God for prophecy. Even though they are largely gifted in religious knowledge and wisdom they are always unable to take their religious flock through a spiritual breakthrough.
The prophet of God or rather true prophets are called .these calling can be done through numerous modes such as visions, dreams, intimate experience with the divine being and excreta.
Prophets can only be called by God himself. This is due to the fact that, the obligation of calling a prophet is God’s sovereign decision and the calling is usually sudden and can happen to anyone since God is not respecter of persons of men per se (Rowley, 1956)
For example, Prophet Isaiah needed serious conviction that later on had to sustain him in the course of his ministry. Likewise prophet Jeremiah, calling came through a silent voice from God when he was still young. The voice did indicate to him, the he was known long before he was even conceived.
He Bible says that, ‘’God’s word came to me saying that, before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, and to build and to plant” (Jer 1:4-10).
Similarly, Amos was very mindful over his business and day to day activities when his call beckoned. His background was far off from all attachments to prophetic works. It is therefore imperative to make an assumption that prophetic ministry was the least of his extortions.
After the call, Amos found his earthly ambitions hit a brick wall or hitting a dead end. The Bible record that, ‘’Then Amaziah said to Amos, get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, and prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now then, hear the word of the Lord. You say, ” ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and stop preaching against the house of Isaac’ (Amos 7:12-16).
The Body
Marks of a Prophet
There are modalities of identifying a true prophet of God such as, it is expected that a prophet of God should not only live on the high planes of dignity and discipline and principle, but they must also bear the following marks; they should be passionate about the will of God, they should have the gift of foresight into God’s intended plan as well as have a great insight into the intentions of God to his creation and people.
Confirmation of a Prophet
It is largely put forward that, The Almighty God prepares his prophets through a season. It is this mode of preparation through which a prophet is confirmed. Call is confirmed by preparation. It is equally emphatic to make note of the fact that, there is a very long period between the time when the calling is done and when the ministry is commenced. Those who are called to be prophets are always expected therefore exercise patience be able to cultivate a culture that can meet the high standard of God.
It is therefore imperative that those who are called to the ministry of prophecy should be well able to pay the price. This ids because the ministry comes along with, humiliation, ridicule, lack and excreta. (Helm, June.).
For example, before /one becomes a prophet, there must be the existence of Royal or a Divine command. The Bible asserts that, to the surprise of many among the living, that is despised and ignored are /in most cases chosen to disapprove of the things that are of men. This is out of the fact that, God almighty does not think like mankind does. This is drawn from the fact that, men asses or judge by the facial outlook or from what they can see while, God judges from an individuals spiritual orientation.
This underscores the reason as to why most prophets are often unwelcomed by their peers and community members. They equally face an outrage from the people they are to preach to. Lars admits that, to make a prophet acceptable and popular among the people is to disarm him or her from the body message that he or she is supposed to proselytize.( Christopher Forbes).
In addition go the above biblical annunciated; prophets are gifted with an ability to prophesying on our lives .Apostle Paul writes that prophecy is guided by faith. ( 1 Corinthians 12: 7 }
Conclusion
It is imperative to assert that, the call to the ministry of prophecy is sacred or divine. It is individual based, sudden and at the same time it calls on the individuals to maintain their life on the high planes of dignity and discipline. In the course of their ministry, they are to come to terms with rejection, humiliation and disappointments as well as lack for the sake of the gospel.
However, the training through which God takes them before they are called is adequate enough to give them the valor required to overcome t5he challenges of their ministry.
Cited works
H. H. Rowley. 1956. Prophecy and Religion in Ancient China and Israel. New York: Harper & Brothers.
David Edward Aune. 1963. Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.
Christopher Forbes. 1997. Prophecy and Inspired Speech: in Early Christianity and Its Hellenistic Environment. Peabody, Mass.: HendricksoHelm, June., Prophecy and Power among the Dogrib Indians, University of Nebraska Press, 1994
Critical Analysis Oedipus the King
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Critical Analysis: Oedipus the King
Introduction
The ability to effectively incorporate all the aspects of an ideal piece of literature in literary writing plays a critical role in enhancing the credibility of the end product. Most literary works have been increasingly criticized for failing to meet the basic standards of literature. This has had various implications as their artistic styles have been greatly undermined and the goals of the authors compromised. This paper provides a critical review of the novel Oedipus and analyzes its themes, style, structure and plot. This is geared towards determining whether this piece of literature meets the basic standards of an ideal literary work.
The story explores the fate and tragedies that the King of Thebes faces during his reign. In particular a hereditary curse is placed on his life and he suffers severe consequences. When Thebes experiences various problems such as plagues and fires, Oedipus decides to take the challenge of putting measures in place to restore prosperity and life in this kingdom. Later on he discovered that his actions reflected the curse that was placed upon him at birth. In particular, he found out that he was the one responsible for the death of his father and that he had married and had children with his mother. He is dismayed when he realizes that he is not the identity that he had always thought he was. This discovery makes his wife-mother commit suicide and Oedipus makes him self blind and later retreats in exile.
The author’s characterization can be considered to be very impressive. He breaks the monotony of according a hero a virtuous character and makes Oedipus to be a representation of both good and evil. Aristotle praises this characterization and indicates that it has a desirable impact on the audience who experience feelings of pity as well as fear at the same time while they watch the play (83). Essentially, Oedipus’ character falls between the two extremes of being both to good and experiencing a severe misfortune that is perpetuated by his past vices.
However, it is notable that in the prologue, he employs numerous characters that assume various roles. This can easily confuse a reader and undermine the understanding of the entire story. Nevertheless, it can be contended that he effectively addresses the vital events and informs the reader about their role in the development of the plot in a timely manner. This enhances harmony within the text and plays a fundamental role of preventing conflicting episodes. In this respect, Fry shows that the presentation of the exodus in the prologues and consultation of Oedipus with the elders are instrumental in revealing to the audience the fate of Oedipus (94).
His exploration of various related themes can also be considered very effective. In this respect he introduces the themes at different stages and uses the characters to make the reader to recognize the same with ease. For instance he evaluates the theme of knowledge and ignorance and uses the same to demonstrate the notion of reversal. This is manifested when Oedipus makes an effort to overcome his ignorance by searching for important information regarding his origin. He believed that his would enable him to deliver his subjects from suffering and make his reign successful. However the implications of this generate counter effects as they lead to his self destruction. Further, in his review, Bates asserts that the plot of the story has a great impact to its audience (52). This is due to the fact that it has the ability to stir emotions in persons that watch it, read it and those who merely hear it.
However, the plausibility of some of the actions of the characters has greatly been contested by Thornton who argues that they do not reflect the historical background of the setting (125). A classic example in this regard has been cited to be the ignorance of Oedipus regarding the death of his father. Thornton argues that the author fails to provide a viable reason that would justify this ignorance to the reader (127). This raises more controversy especially considering the fact that in the Greek history, the origins of a leader were greatly scrutinized before he could assume leadership. In addition, the decision of the King to consult the oracle even after he had learnt about the existence of important persons such as the shepherd that could provide fundamental and factual information about his origin has undergone scrutiny.
The author employs various stylistic devices that make the story more interesting. In particular, Bates indicates that he employs suspense that keeps the reader unaware of the events that would follow (88). He uses his characters to mold various actions and ensures that relative ramifications remain unknown to the reader until after the event has occurred. Notably, his diversification of the stylistic devices also contributes significantly to enhancing and maintaining the interest of the reader. He uses suspense symbolism, imagery and chorus to relay vital information and uphold the interest of the reader.
Conclusion
From this analysis, it can be contended that the author structures the play in an effective manner. In addition his presentation of vita information through various stylistic devices proves effective in maintaining the interest of the reader in the novel. Of great importance however is his explicit exploration of various themes though the experiences and activities of his characters. Irrespective of the fact that part of the books content is disputable, it can be concluded that the book meets the basic standards of credible literature.
Works Cited
Aristotle. The Poetics. UK: Heinemann 1947.
Paul, Fry H. Homer to Brecht: Reviewing European Classics. Yale: University Press, 1987.
William, Bates N. Sophocles: Drama and Poetry. Oxford: University Press, 1958.
Wilder, Thornton. Characterization of American Essays. USA: Longman, 1988.