Thesis Proposal- Full Cut, Take One
I. Title
The title of this project is Theory or Theology: The Search for Truth in Science.
II. Abstract
Has science become more of a religion than a science? For years, scientists have been studying new theories, hoping to uncover some proof to guide them. Without proof, though, we are relying on faith in our own beliefs, discrediting other theories in favor of our own, and distancing ourselves from anyone who does not believe us. In this project, I will study the historical connections between science and religion, and how each has been an integral foundation for the other. I will also explore the recent movement of science into a non-innovative and quasi-religious realm (especially in education), accepting the current philosophy without considering new possibilities. By detailing how scientific study has evolved, we can discuss whether our beliefs are leading us on some misguided race, and how this change is affecting the job market and the future expansion of the scientific field.
III. Description
1) Definition of Project
This project is going to be somewhere between a documentary and an argumentative documentary, detailing the history of science and religion and its recent merge into “scientific religion” and the educational and economical ramifications of this merge. I will first present some interesting facts about the history of science and religion, and show instances in which it is clear that religion has influenced scientific theory. I will then present examples of current scientific studies that have become dogmatic, such as string theory(this will be my primary example).
I will begin with my own difficulty in understanding concepts of string theory, and then I will go on to explain the basis for string theory. I will include logic games or games in deductive reasoning so that the audience can come to this conclusion themselves and understand its supports. I will then use common logic to show the exclusivity and limitations of the theory and how we have curbed our imagination and innovation in keeping this theory.
The next step is to show the reader other examples of how science is losing its empirical basis. I will include interviews with prominent scientists as well as journalists, on both sides of the argument. I will present the fact that many scientists who reject string theory cannot find jobs, and therefore we are effectively blocking the progress of science. From here, I will move to address science education, and why students are turning away from scientific study due to the stagnation of scientific research. In term of scientific education, I would like to interview students and various age levels to find out how they respond to scientific study and why many of them are turning away from it.
The media format of this project will be a series of videos, possibly put side by side to demonstrate certain liaisons between science and religion. There will also be several video interviews with researchers, professors, and students of varying ages about their own experiences, with hot links to various explanations, such as string theory. In order to demonstrate certain scientific theories, it might be useful to put together animations to illustrate the concepts. I would also like to use animations to possibly introduce some of the historical topics, in order to make them more interesting or fun. All in all, there will be a series of videos or animations with various links that make it navigable to the viewer, who can choose to view the project in whichever order they would like. I would also like to make the project editable, or to have a forum that would allow viewers to upload their own videos or interviews, etc. to the project, which can be accessible to each viewer at the end of the main presentation.
2) Articulation of project goals
This project does not, by any means, have to be realized in media. But media does make it a more personal undertaking, and it allows the viewer to understand that this is no “scientist” that is talking down to them. The project is meant for everyone, not just scholars, and the video format showing real people as well as visually stimulating graphics that make the subject more accessible to the everyday person. An important message of this project is that innovation and imagination are necessary to science, and that everyone, not just scientists, can be involved in this process. Writing a pedantic research paper is not inviting to anyone, not even a scientist.
I would like the viewer of this project, especially students, to take away an understanding that science is moving in a difficult direction, and new minds and fresh ideas are what we need to move forward. All great scientists were disregarded in their time, scorned and discredited for being over-imaginative. But they were able to break barriers by opening their minds outside of conventions, and consider the improbable. I want my viewer to feel empowered, to feel that they have the ability to do just that. The project is valuable academically because it not only stresses the importance of free thought, but it encourages students that being a scientist means more than just research in a lab. Giving my audience to responsibility to stop scientific religion and rekindle the Einsteinian era is just what the scientific world needs.
3) Significance
The project does not investigate a specific current issue per se, but it does address a greater problem within the realm of science as a whole which society has been struggling with since the advent of string theory. It allows for the average person to understand what’s going and actively participate in a scientific pursuit, whether or not they are actually a scientist. As important as science is, it is more important that society understands and benefits for the work of the scientists. In recent year, we seem to have lost sight of this goal, and it is important that we revive the public interest in scientific study. I hope that the project will be used as an educational tool to show students how to look differently at science, and how they can make a difference in the scientific world without being a stereotypical “researcher.” I also hope that the general public will see this project as an effort to involve them in scientific study and encourage them to be a part of it.
IV. Timeline
Summer ’07- Research. Have a generic map/outline for the navigation of the project.
October-November ’07- Complete all interviews and cut footage into appropriate movies. Begin working on animations to go with other pieces of project.
December ’07- Complete all voice-overs and soundtracking
January ’07- Begin putting project all together and linking individual blocks.
V. Budget
I will be borrowing most equipment from friends as well as the IML. Budget will be mostly software purchases, if needed, as well pictures and music if copyrighted. I do not intend to spend more that $500 on the project as a whole.
VI. Advisors
IML- Peggy Weil
Physics- Doug Burke
Possible other advisors: Clifford Johnson, KC Cole
VII. Presentation and/or distribution plans/venues
I would like the project to be released online, possibly on Revver or on its own website. This is the easiest way to make it an editable entity, so that other viewer can post videos and comments as needed. Otherwise, the project will be released on DVD. I would prefer Internet so that it reaches more people quickly.
VIII. Production Resources
Software needed: DVD Studio Pro, FinalCut Pro, AfterEffects, Korsakow, Dreamweaver
Hardware: Camera, Tripod, Primary and secondary lights.
Collaborators: Possible help needed with animations and video linkage.
Presentation Needs: Computer based, no extra resources needed.
IX. Prior Related Work-none
X. Research Bibliography
Brian Greene’s Elegant Universe
Greene’s Fabric of the Cosmos
Einstein’s Relativity
The Dark Prophet, Doug Burke
Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time
Darwin’s Origin of Species
The Trouble with Physics, Lee Smolin
Not Even Wrong, Peter Woit
Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction, Gary Ferngren
When Science Meets Religion, Ian Barbour
Religion and Science, Ian Barbour
Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives, John Brooke
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment