Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival

Summary

In "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival," Vladimir Keilis-Borok argues that scientific research is a crucial factor in the survival and well-being of humanity. Keilis-Borok cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made, as well as the importance of scientific research in solving problems and creating new solutions to pressing issues. Keilis-Borok also discusses the role of scientific research in the Cold War and the efforts of scientists from different countries to come to an agreement on banning nuclear weapon tests. Throughout the essay, Keilis-Borok emphasizes the idea that science offers hope for a better future for all people and is a key factor in the survival and well-being of humanity.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?

According to Keilis-Borok, scientists get freedom, camaraderie, independence, and the feeling of uncovering nature's mysteries instead of big money.

b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?

The problem that the nuclear powers faced was how to detect a violation of an agreement to stop testing new nuclear weapons.

c. In which area did Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge have a direct application?

Keilis Borok's theoretical knowledge had a direct application in the area of detecting underground nuclear explosions through the analysis of seismic waves.

d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?

The important decision that the politicians took before the Geneva Summit was to sign an agreement to stop testing new nuclear weapons.

e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?

The natural disasters mentioned by the author include earthquakes, and the man-made disaster mentioned is the threat of mutually assured destruction through the use of nuclear weapons.

Reference to the context

It is likely that the professional addressed as "you" in the sentence "If you are clever, why are you so poor?" refers to a scientist. This is because the sentence implies that the person addressed is intelligent and skilled, but is not financially successful, which is a common stereotype about scientists. Scientists are often seen as being highly intelligent and knowledgeable, but not necessarily successful in terms of financial wealth. This is in contrast to professions such as lawyers, doctors, and businessmen, which are often associated with higher levels of financial success. Therefore, it is likely that the person being addressed in the sentence is a scientist.

b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva.” What does it express?

The phrase "I found myself in Geneva" suggests that the writer, Vladimir Keilis-Borok, ended up in the city of Geneva unexpectedly or without consciously planning to go there. It could imply that he was summoned or invited to go to Geneva for a specific purpose, and that he did not have control over the decision to go there. The phrase "I found myself" suggests that the writer did not actively seek out or choose to go to Geneva, but rather ended up there through circumstances beyond his control.

i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources.

This statement is not necessarily true. While money can certainly be a powerful resource and can provide access to many opportunities and resources, it is not the only or the most important resource that individuals and societies have at their disposal. Intellectual resources, such as knowledge, skills, and creativity, can also be incredibly powerful and can be used to achieve a wide range of goals and to overcome challenges. In many cases, intellectual resources can be more valuable than money, as they can be used to generate new ideas, solve problems, and create value in a variety of ways. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that money is always more powerful than intellectual resources.

ii. Intellectual resources help survival of the mankind.

This statement is likely to be true. Intellectual resources, such as knowledge, skills, and creativity, have played a critical role in the survival and advancement of humankind throughout history. By using their intellectual resources, individuals and societies have been able to develop new technologies, discover new sources of food and resources, and create new systems of governance and social organization. These intellectual resources have also allowed humankind to adapt to changing circumstances and to overcome a wide range of challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made. Therefore, it is likely that intellectual resources have played a crucial role in the survival of mankind.

iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters.

This statement is not necessarily true. While basic research can certainly contribute to a better understanding of the world and help to identify potential risks and challenges, it is not necessarily a way of "stalling" disasters. Basic research is focused on understanding fundamental principles and phenomena, and it is often not specifically focused on addressing immediate problems or challenges. While basic research can certainly contribute to the development of new technologies or systems that can help to mitigate or prevent disasters, it is not the primary purpose of basic research. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that basic research is a way of "stalling" disasters.

d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is the humankind’s survival?

In the essay "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival" by Vladimir Keilis-Borok, the essayist argues that scientific research is a vital contributor to the survival of humankind. Keilis-Borok makes this argument by highlighting the various ways in which scientific research has contributed to the advancement and survival of humankind throughout history. He cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made, and the use of scientific research to solve problems and create new solutions to pressing issues.

Keilis-Borok also argues that scientific research is important for the survival of humankind because it helps to foster cooperation and collaboration between individuals and societies. He cites the example of scientists and engineers from different cultural backgrounds working together to solve the problem of detecting underground nuclear explosions, which had significant implications for the survival of mankind.

Overall, the essayist justifies that scientific research is the humankind's survival by highlighting the many ways in which scientific research has contributed to the advancement and survival of humankind, and by emphasizing the importance of scientific research in fostering cooperation and collaboration between individuals and societies.

e. What can be the purpose of the essayist of using quotations in the essay?

There are several possible purposes for the essayist to use quotations in the essay. Some possible purposes include:

To support the essayist's arguments: By including quotations from other sources, the essayist can provide additional evidence to support his arguments and to strengthen his case.

To add credibility to the essay: Quotations from respected sources can add credibility to the essay and help to establish the essayist's expertise and authority on the topic.

To provide a different perspective: Including quotations from other sources can help to add diversity to the essay and provide different perspectives on the topic.

To add rhetorical impact: Quotations can be used to add rhetorical impact to the essay by including powerful or memorable phrases or statements that help to engage the reader's attention.

To illustrate a point: Quotations can be used to illustrate a point or to provide concrete examples of a concept or idea being discussed in the essay.

f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.

In the essay "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival" by Vladimir Keilis-Borok, the writer argues that scientists are some of the most practical people in the world. The writer makes this argument by highlighting the ways in which scientists approach and solve problems, and by emphasizing the practical applications of scientific research.

To support this argument, the writer cites the example of scientists and engineers from different cultural backgrounds coming together to solve the problem of detecting underground nuclear explosions. In this case, the scientists were able to use their theoretical knowledge and expertise to develop a practical solution to a pressing and real-world problem. This example illustrates the practicality of scientists, as they were able to use their skills and knowledge to address a problem that had significant implications for the survival of humankind.

Additionally, the writer argues that scientific research is practical because it leads to the development of new technologies and systems that have practical applications and can be used to solve real-world problems. For example, the writer mentions the development of new materials and technologies that have helped to improve transportation, communication, and energy production. These developments have had practical benefits for society and have helped to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Overall, the writer's stand is that scientists are some of the most practical people in the world because they approach problems with a focus on finding practical solutions and because their work has practical applications that can be used to solve real-world problems.

Reference to the context

Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.

The statement "Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons" refers to the fact that during the height of the Cold War, every person on Earth lived under the threat of being killed in a nuclear attack. During this time, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom were all in possession of nuclear weapons and were capable of launching a nuclear attack on each other. This threat of "Mutually Assured Destruction," or MAD, meant that if one side launched a nuclear attack, the other side would retaliate with their own nuclear weapons, resulting in the destruction of both sides.

This fear of nuclear annihilation was a real and constant concern for people living during the Cold War, as the possibility of a nuclear conflict seemed imminent and the consequences would have been catastrophic. The fear of nuclear weapons was also fueled by the ongoing development and testing of new, more powerful nuclear weapons by the superpowers, which further exacerbated the sense of uncertainty and danger. Despite efforts to reduce tensions and prevent a nuclear conflict, the fear of nuclear annihilation remained a constant presence in the minds of people around the world.

The essayist says ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us.’ Explain it.

In the essay "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind's Survival" by Vladimir Keilis-Borok, the essayist argues that scientific research is a crucial factor in the survival and well-being of humanity. The essayist makes this argument by highlighting the various ways in which scientific research has contributed to the advancement and survival of humankind throughout history.

To support this argument, the essayist cites examples such as the development of new technologies and systems that have allowed humans to overcome challenges and disasters, both natural and man-made. The essayist also emphasizes the importance of scientific research in solving problems and creating new solutions to pressing issues.

Overall, the essayist's statement "While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us" suggests that as long as scientific research continues, there is hope for humanity to overcome challenges and improve the quality of life for all people. The essayist believes that scientific research is a crucial factor in the survival and well-being of humanity, and that it offers hope for a better future for all people.

Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it.

Is science a blessing or a curse?

Science is a complex and multifaceted field that has had a profound impact on humanity. While it has undoubtedly brought many blessings and benefits to society, it has also been the source of some significant challenges and curses. In this essay, we will explore both the blessings and curses of science, considering the ways in which it has impacted humanity throughout history.

On the one hand, science has brought many blessings to humanity. From the development of new technologies and systems that have improved transportation, communication, and energy production, to the medical advances that have saved countless lives, science has played a vital role in improving the quality of life for people around the world. Science has also helped us to understand the world around us and to solve some of the mysteries of the universe.

However, science has also been the source of some significant curses. For example, the development of nuclear weapons has brought with it the threat of global destruction and the fear of nuclear annihilation. The pursuit of scientific knowledge has also led to ethical dilemmas, such as the use of human subjects in scientific experiments or the creation of genetically modified organisms. Additionally, the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancement has often led to social and economic disruption, as new technologies have disrupted traditional industries and ways of life.

Overall, it is clear that science is both a blessing and a curse. While it has brought many benefits and blessings to humanity, it has also been the source of significant challenges and curses. It is important to recognize the complexity of science and to approach it with a sense of balance and caution, considering both its potential blessings and curses.