I strongly agree with the assertion that significant advances in knowledge
require
expertise from various
fields.The world around us presents a seamless web of physical
and anthropogenic forces, which interact in ways that can be understood only in
the context of a variety of disciplines.Two examples that aptly illustrate this point
involve the fields of cultural anthropology and astronomy.
Consider how a cultural anthropologist''s knowledge about an ancient civilization
is enhanced not only by the expertise of the archeologist-who unearths the
evidence-but ultimately by the expertise of biochemists, geologists, linguists, and
even astronomers. By analyzing the hair, nails, blood, and bones of mummified bodies,
biochemists and forensic scientists can determine the life expectancy, general wellbeing,
and common causes of death of the population.These experts can also ensure
the proper preservation of evidence found at the archeological site. A geologist can
help identrfy the source and age of the materials used for tools, weapons, and
structures-
thereby enabling the anthropologist to
extrapolate about the civilization''s
economy, trades and work habits, lifestyles, extent of travel and mobility, and so forth.
Linguists are
needed to interpret hieroglyphics and extrapolate from found fragments
of writings. And an astronomer can help explain the layout of an ancient city as well
as the design, structure and position of monuments, tombs, and temples-since ancients
often looked to the stars for guidance in building cities and structures.
An even more striking example of how expertise in diverse fields is needed to
advance knowledge involves the area of astronomy and space exploration. Signrficant
advancements in our knowledge of the solar system and the universe require increasingly
keen tools for observation and measurement. Telescope technology and the
measurement of celestial distances, masses, volumes, and so forth, are the domain of
astrophysicists.These advances also require increasingly sophisticated means of exploration.
Manned and unmanned exploratory probes are designed by mechanical,
electrical, and computer engineers. And to build and enable these technologies
requires the acumen and sawy of business leaders, managers, and politicians. Even diplomats
might play a role-insofar as major space projects require international cooperative
efforts among the world''s scientists and governments. And ultimately it is our
philosophers whose expertise helps provide meaning to what we learn about our
universe.
In sum, no area of intellectual inquiry operates in a vacuum. Because the sciences
are inextricably related, to advance our knowledge in any one area we must understand
the interplay among them all. Moreover, it is our non-scientists who make pos
sible the science, and who bring meaning to what we learn from it.
More summaries about the Advancements in a field of study and outside experts