Chabot College ISLS - Six Easy Pieces - Richard Feynman
Scott Hildreth - Spring 2006
Essay Questions:
For all papers, please include a work cited page with at least two other outside sources beyond our book. Definitely integrate your knowledge and readings from prior authors within ISLS, and beyond, as appropriate.
1. What are the most important qualities a scientist should have? Defend your thesis by using example throughout Feynman's book. Would Darwin or Galileo or Freud disagree? Why?
2. What is the nature of the scientific method, as portrayed by Feynman? What is the role of experimentation? Why must these pieces be in place for science to valid? What do other scientists say about the method that supports or differs from Feynman?
3. What is the value of learning quantum mechanics, or for that matter anything to do with the subatomic world? What do you think Feynman would believe about the reasons and justifications for spending money on physics research where the laws discovered are totally antithetical to the macroscopic common-place laws of physics we use in our daily lives?
4. Take one of the chapters about energy, gravity, or quantum mechanics (Chapters 4, 5, or 6), and write an essay suitable for publication in the Chabot Spectator, for your fellow students who would not have read (nor perhaps even *wanted* to read) Six Easy Pieces. Explain what Feynman discusses in your own language. If you use a word from these chapters that has a particular meaning in physics, define that word with analogies that your fellow students would understand.
5. Analyze the writing style of Feynman. How does he use words? How does he convey the majesty and mystery of science? Compare him to other noted science writers including Brian Greene, Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Dava Sobel, et. al. Use examples from throughout the book.
6. Compare Feynman to Galileo, Freud, Darwin, or Thoreau, in both the style of writing and the style of argument used about the nature and truths of science. Use references from Six Easy Pieces as well as from The Starry Messenger, Civilization, Origins, or Walden.
7. How does Feynman see the world? Does he really see "more" than an artist or poet? Explain, and use quotes from throughout the book in defense of your thesis.
8. Discuss the role and necessity of ethics in science. Read Conduct and Misconduct in Science, by David Goodstein, California Institute of Technology, available at: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~dg/conduct_art.html. Research what others scientists have said about ethics, and discuss Feynman's views.
9. Research one current area or topic of scientific inquiry that is of interest to you spurred by your reading of Feynman. This could include topics in Biology and Biophysics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology, Physics, or another area. Write an essay about what we know, what we do not know (yet), and what is being done to find out. Note that you must examine your topic through multiple eyes and views - not just one published magazine or newspaper article. Tie what Feynman provided as a foundation to this topic, relating what we have learned and are trying to learn to what Feynman wrote about 45 years ago.
Last Modified - 3/16/06 - SH