In the following, I will argue that Einstein’s discovery of the theory of special relativity was ultimately positive in terms of its benefits. First, Einstein’s discovery changed our understanding of space and time. Second, Einstein’s discovery has a positive effect on people’s daily lives, for example, the global positioning system (GPS). Third, Einstein’s theory of special relativity is a scientific theory, which according to dictionary.com is “a coherent group of propositions formulated to explain a group of facts or phenomena in the natural world and repeatedly confirmed through experiment or observation, (“scientific theory”)” Einstein’s theory was proposed with good intentions, Einstein has no control over how people would use his theories. Special relativity was formulated by Albert Einstein in 1905. The special theory of relativity was “founded on two postulates: 1. The law of physics is the same in all Galilean frames. 2. The velocity of light in empty space is the same in all Galilean frames and independent of the motion of the light sourced.” (Gorn 21) Special relativity is limited to the special case of objects moving in a straight line at a constant speed. Special relativity predicted time dilation. Time dilatation implies that time slows down the faster one goes. Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2 shows the interchangeable relationship between mass and energy, comes from the theory of special relativity. The importance of the relationship between mass and speed of light is to show that a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy. From the concept of special relativity, there are merits and demerits. Merits of special relativity are that it increased our understanding of space, time, and atoms; this, in turn, allows people to use this theory to understand the world. A demerit that comes out of special relativity is that it proved the possibility of nuclear energy, which leads to the atomic bomb (“Einstein’s Legacy” 2014). Special relativity is ultimately positive. Special relativity improved our understanding of space and time. For example, in the case of astronauts and spaceships, relativity implies that an astronaut moving fast relative to Earth measures time slower compared to a person measuring time on earth. The benefit of understanding space and time is that it allows people to apply knowledge to one’s life. For instance, if one does not consider time dilation, GPS would be inaccurate; making one’s car or phone’s GPS impractical. Further, understanding mass and energy relations explains how and predicts the energy of nuclear power plants; when an atom is split and a chain reaction occurs creating atomic energy this concept is known as nuclear fission. With the knowledge how elections behave people were able to make advancements in medical care. Particularly, PET scans and X-rays uses the concept of atomic energy. These machines allow physicians to make advancement in cancer treatments and research. Special relativity is a physical theory. Scientific theory is created by scientist as an attempt build knowledge about the universe. Scientist contemplates on the how and why the universe works, and
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One should not be complacent about obtaining knowledge. If one is complacent, obtaining new knowledge will be difficult which will lead to no new applications, with no new technology one is unable to make new discoveries. Without the possibility of expanding human knowledge of the universe, the world would be bleak and unmotivated. For the second issue, technology does not make people lazy it is the way one uses technology that makes people lazy. Advancement in technology allows people to do things faster with less effort. How one uses the spare time technology has saved, is the important part. As for the final issue, life is how one makes of it. Assuming every person is morally virtuous, there would be no fear of nuclear fallout. If one cannot assume every person is morally virtuous and still worry, one should believe in their government to prevent possible nuclear war. The work ones government does might seem vague, but it is done to protect its citizens. The time to worry is when one does not see TSA doing their jobs at the airport, the military being lackluster in their training or even the decline in quality of law enforcement at home; because one sees these people doing their jobs one should feel at
One should not be complacent about obtaining knowledge. If one is complacent, obtaining new knowledge will be difficult which will lead to no new applications, with no new technology one is unable to make new discoveries. Without the possibility of expanding human knowledge of the universe, the world would be bleak and unmotivated. For the second issue, technology does not make people lazy it is the way one uses technology that makes people lazy. Advancement in technology allows people to do things faster with less effort. How one uses the spare time technology has saved, is the important part. As for the final issue, life is how one makes of it. Assuming every person is morally virtuous, there would be no fear of nuclear fallout. If one cannot assume every person is morally virtuous and still worry, one should believe in their government to prevent possible nuclear war. The work ones government does might seem vague, but it is done to protect its citizens. The time to worry is when one does not see TSA doing their jobs at the airport, the military being lackluster in their training or even the decline in quality of law enforcement at home; because one sees these people doing their jobs one should feel at