What is Practical: Definition and 323 Discussions

Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that considers words and thought as tools and instruments for prediction, problem solving, and action, and rejects the idea that the function of thought is to describe, represent, or mirror reality. Pragmatists contend that most philosophical topics—such as the nature of knowledge, language, concepts, meaning, belief, and science—are all best viewed in terms of their practical uses and successes.
Pragmatism began in the United States in the 1870s. Its origins are often attributed to the philosophers Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. In 1878, Peirce described it in his pragmatic maxim: "Consider the practical effects of the objects of your conception. Then, your conception of those effects is the whole of your conception of the object."

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  1. T

    Is it practical to make an electromagnet that causes a 200N force?

    I'm trying to construct an electromagnet that, when a loose piece of iron is inside the solenoid, will create a field that will attract that piece of iron with at least 200N of force. My thought is that I can fill half of the solenoid with an iron core, leaving space in the other half for the...
  2. T

    Teaching my boys practical electromagnetism

    I need help designing some build-from-scratch DC motors. I'm looking to build really robust motors that I can be be sure will demonstrate clearly the principles involved, but that can be modified by my boys and that they can really *play* with and use to run simple toys. I've already shown...
  3. J

    Practical possibility of Hawking radiation?

    i have long been a skeptic of hawking radiation. i would like to explore my concerns, and see what your reaction is. the concept hinges around the idea of a spontaneous particle pair being created somewhere near the EH of a BH. radiation would occur if one of the particles manages to escape...
  4. P

    A way to calculate the practical range of gravity

    Theoretically, the range of gravity is infinite. OK. But the nature of the fabric of space has "building blocks" (Planck volume?) So while a localized body of mass/energy distorts space-time, the distortion decreases away from the body. I would think this has a practical limit. Just as energy...
  5. N

    What to Expect for the Edexcel Unit 5 Practical Tomorrow?

    Unit 5 practical tomorow! Anyone doing the edexcel practical tomorow? I've been revising through past papers practicals, and saw some more on the edexcel website. I looked through and there are some things I'm hoping do not come up tomorrow - and there are not mark schemes to 3 of the older...
  6. P

    Is GPS the only practical application of General Relativity?

    I guess GR is also needed to accurately coordinate space flight, but I highly doubt without GR the space shuttle will have any problem finding its way back home. Gravitational lensing doesn't count as practical application. Maybe a subject with even fewer applications is quantum chromodynamics...
  7. Danger

    Cheap Practicality (or Practical Cheapness) (or just frugality)

    Many of you here are used to the idea that I design and/or build useful devices of a mechanical nature out of **** that I've had lying around the house for 40 years. I do believe, however, that I have now come up with the ultimate (non-mechanical) recycling idea. My house is totally littered...
  8. C

    How Do You Calculate Equilibrium in a Tri-Level Mobile Physics Project?

    Homework Statement Well i have a lab practical due for physics and I am having trouble with it. we have to assemble a tri level mobile. that wasn't that hard. the difficult part is doing the math to support my answers. i need to use translational and rotational equilibrium. i looked...
  9. U

    Integrating 2^x: A Practical Guide

    Intergrate 2^x ... lol? How would I even go about this? This is not a homework question, but I'm practising for exams.
  10. M

    Practical questions on wireless internet bandwitdth

    (1) Sometimes I notice that the bandwidth goes up a lot after I start getting a large feed. Like, my internet might be going pretty slowly, then I start downloading a large file and my internet connection moves up to 24 or 36 Mbps, loading web pages very fast, despite the fact that I am also...
  11. H

    Calculating Load on Anchors for Three Hammocks

    Hello - I was wondering if anyone would help me with some calculations - using the diagram I have attached. We are trying to hang three hammocks from three achors - and would like some help calculating the load on each anchor. Even a best guess or ball park answer would be nice - or...
  12. T

    A2 Practical Project. Stress, Strain and.. I with the set up.

    For my A2 practical project I am using a stress gauage on a 'rule' shape of plastic and adding diffrent weights to see the changein stress and strain. As another varible I will be changing the temperture of the plastic to see how this effects its stress and strain. I'm looking for help...
  13. I_am_learning

    How to Design a Solenoid for an Electric Door Lock Releaser?

    I am trying to make a an electric door lock releaser. I am going to use a solenoid to make an electromagnet that will pull down a handle to release the lock. The electromagnet has to act from a distance of 1 cm. And it has to impart a force of at least 10 N. The problem is to design the...
  14. S

    Uniform rates exercises in practical applications

    Are the simple uniform rates problems practical for anything other than for applications like inlet and outlet pipes filling or draining a reservoir? The kind I mean are the ones which immediately yield rational equations immediately upon first analysis. We find motion problems, we find...
  15. J

    Nano laser is a key component necessary for practical application

    Apparently the nano laser is a key component necessary for practical application of optical computers. "Conventional lasers are limited in how small they can be made because this feedback component for photons, called an optical resonator, must be at least half the size of the wavelength of...
  16. D

    Understanding Differentials and Integrals: A Practical Guide

    ok I want to clear my broad views upon calculus.. first of all I wuz taught calculus 2-3 years back with differentials and Integration.. and ever since iam not really interested in doing this because I want to know wot iam doing ? I want to know how do they occur naturally ? I mean like i...
  17. K

    Is My Calculation of Applied Force in a Pulley System Accurate?

    1. Hello. I am doing a practical assignment which involves a pully system with different masses on each side attached to a string. I have figured out acceleration via a = 2x/t^2 and then Force applied by F = (.42-.38)*0.286 which gives me 0.011N. However when I graph the final solution (I have...
  18. P

    Possible Variables in a Planck's Constant Practical?

    I'm doing a practical for Physics and writing a report on it so I chose Planck's constant. I know that one of the variables I can change could be the frequency of the oscillating waves but my teacher says that you should consider two variables if you want to do well. I don't know what other...
  19. F

    A simple practical answer needed

    This is a relatively simple, practical question to a backyard delima. A friend has purchased a van with a receive hitch mounted on the rear frame. The receiver toungue has been installed upside down, too low, and has rusted in place. It can't be pulled out and the suggestion has been...
  20. A

    Aim of Refraction Practical Using Snell's Law

    If I was doing a practical on refraction, and I was using Snell's Law, what would the Aim be. Also remember that, the aim can't be to prove Snell's Law. Thanks everyone. (please hurry this assignment is due tomorrow)
  21. A

    Practical Guide to Using Ohm's Law for Heating Copper Wire

    OK, Strange question, but I have a very practical, if simple, need to apply the Law. I need to heat a copper wire to several hundred degrees and I am trying to figure out a rough voltage and amperage to push through it. I am staring at...
  22. A

    Exploring Practical Areas of Artificial Intelligence

    Hi, I'm Ben. I was wondering if there are any practical, profitable areas where studying Artificial Intelligence would be appropriate. From what I've heard, AI is mainly grounded in theoretical computer science, which is the most interesting aspect of it. But in regards to what is in demand...
  23. R

    Mechanical damping practical use ?

    im supposed to write a little discussion on mechanical damping practical use...can anyone give me a proper website or note in the internet.....
  24. K

    Practical Uses for Eigenvalues

    I am trying to get some intuition for Eigenvalues/Eigenvectors. One real-life application appears to be a representation of resonance. What are some practical uses for Eigenvalues? What other things may Eigenvalues represent?
  25. A

    Practical examples of superposition?

    Hello, I am a first time poster and this post will be long, but I wanted to make clear my understanding of superposition so that you can all correct me. Thanks for your patience/interest. I am not a physicist but a critical theorist working with Bohr's complementarity. I thought I...
  26. jhae2.718

    Practical examples of fludic thrust vectoring

    This may be more relevant to aero than general mech e, but since it has to do with propulsion I figure that this is the best section to post this. Does anyone here know of any practical example of a fluidic thrust vectoring engine for aircraft? From research all I have been able to...
  27. C

    Practical problem: need a distribution

    This should be an easy question, but I can't think of how to answer it! I never did take enough stats. I'm looking at n = 77 returned surveys which come from a population of size 627. (At the moment I'm assuming that response is uncorrelated with the answers; it's actually somewhat...
  28. B

    GHz AC Frequency - Max "Practical" Generation: Solenoid Q&A for Experts

    GHz ac frequency- Maximum "Practical" generation - Solenoid question for the experts. It's me again. Big ideas, big questions. (A quick special thanks to everyone who has ever taken a moment to answer my questions: (Bob S, bipolar, Phrak, f95toli, jambaugh, waht, Pumblechook, ZapperZ...
  29. M

    Would practical courses like welding and machining be useful?

    Just a quick question from a potential mech. engineering student. I'm probably going to start soon on my formal MechE classes soon but I know that to be a good engineer, you need to do more than get good grades. I've asked a lot of working MechEs about what you need to know, specifically if...
  30. M

    What are some everyday applications of relativity in modern technology?

    Hi folks, I'm a lay person so my depth of knowledge may not be the best. Apologies in advance if I come across a little uncouth! Off the top of my head, I can only think of the various space programs (keeping sattelites spaceborne etc.) and the GPS system as fields of endeavour where...
  31. N

    Practical applications and maths

    This is a question that got me thinking, but no further! Hence why I ask it here: Does anyone know of any mathematics that DOESN'T have practical applications? By practical I mean physical, real world applications.
  32. F

    Mechanics & physics,can anyone explain the scenarios?Very practical Questions?

    Mechanics & physics,can anyone please explain the scenarios?Very practical Questions? Hi...Can anyone please be kind enough to help me? i know it will take a bit longer for u to answer. I have some scenarios and questions in the following pages...
  33. M

    Practical calculations for gravity

    Hi, Could somebody please explain to me how you can calculate the effects of gravity in general relativity in a practical way? (Or point me to a site where these things are explained in an understandable way) I keep trying to read articles and courses about it, but whenever it gets...
  34. K

    A practical question about thermodynamics

    Today, I read a short essay from a magazine about how to preserve the coffee as hot as possible in a short time (if you don't want to drink it right away) by adding the cream into it as soon as possible. It reads: if you add the cream soon, some amount of heat being transferred to the cream so...
  35. X

    Practical Problem (debate between friends)

    Hi Guys, First post here. I'm in a debate with my friend who happens to be a climbing buddy. Dynamic ropes for climbing & abseiling come in two standard sizes, 50 and 60 Meters. The point being debated is weather or not the 60 meter rope has to be stronger than it's 50 meter counterpart...
  36. A

    Integration & Differentiation Practical Example

    hi, I want to know the practical use of Integration and Differentiation. I know what it is. I just want to know how can i explain it with a practical example. example : for Differentiation - the dy/dx can be explained that y is dependent on independent variable x. How can d2y/dx2 be...
  37. J

    Practical - Stress-Strain graph of an elastic band

    Homework Statement Hi, I have a practical to do soon, it's only a basic thing because we've only been doing physics for just over a month - plotting a stress-strain graph for an elastic band... 2. The attempt at a solution Now, I was just going to measure the original length of...
  38. Ivan Seeking

    ObamaCondoms: Practical Protection with a Sense of Humor

    Use with good judgement. :rofl: http://www.obamacondoms.com/
  39. U

    Sailing Upwind. What are the theoretical or practical speed limits?

    Given the recent discussion/demonstrations of sailing downwind faster than the wind I was wondering if anyone has some ideas about the limits (either theoretical or practical) of sailing upwind. I was thinking in particular of a turbine driven vehicle going directly into the wind but I'd also...
  40. Ivan Seeking

    Practical joke played on Palin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nGlFxpgaw4 http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5idPXM6GDkOzIX-_At5WVYrBoJ6JQ
  41. M

    Describing derivatives in practical terms

    Homework Statement Suppose C(r) is the total cost of paying off a car loan borrowed at an annual interest rate of r%. What are the units of C '(r)? What are the units of C'(r)? What is its sign? Homework Equations C'(r)=dC/dr The Attempt at a Solution So, I figured: C'(r) =...
  42. A

    Solving Practical Differentiation & Integration Equations

    Dear all I am searching the materials that is related with practical problems. Particularly differentiation and integration equations How does one get into solve to use this equations... Also what are the applications,results how much accuracy with practical ...etc Practical books or...
  43. W

    Engineering Business major going into engineering management. Practical?

    Hi, I am a business administration major at a liberal arts private college in Missouri. I am less than a year from graduation and want to go into an engineering management masters program after this. It was extremely tough to find a program that would accept a non-technical major but I managed...
  44. J

    Motors & Generators practical investigation ideas

    Hey everyone I'm a physics student doing my last year of high school in Australia. For an assessment task I have to do a practical investigation on electric motors and generators but I am a bit lost on this subject. I need a few ideas that are easy to understand and prove/disprove using a...
  45. wolram

    Practical cosmology and cosmology physics

    arXiv:0809.1084 [pdf] Title: Practical cosmology and cosmological physics Authors: Yu. Baryshev (1), I. Taganov (2), P. Teerikorpi (3) ((1)Astron. Inst. St.-Petersburg Univ., (2)Russ. Geograph. Soc., (3)Tuorla Obs. Turku Univ.) Comments: 16 pages, summary of the conference "Problems...
  46. O

    Practical applications of number theory?

    I am currently a college student who just started taking my first number theory course this week, and with all the stuff I am learning my only question is... are there practical applications to number theory? I mean there are many theories in physics yet many of those have been put to...
  47. S

    What are some practical ideas for A-Level advancing physics coursework?

    As part of my A2 advancing physics coursework i must decide on a pratical and plan and carry it out then write it up. Sounded easy at first but i cannot think of anything that would be interesting and easy to get decent results from. Any ideas or suggestions would be really appreciated...
  48. P

    Universe as Computer Sim. - Practical Considerations

    I don't think there's a thread directly on point here but if so my apologies in advance. I'm an ex-computer scientist and so I thought it'd be interesting to discuss what would go into a computer simulation of the universe. More specifically, I'm wondering if the things about quantum...
  49. L

    Quantum Structures: From Theory to Practical Applications

    What are some ways that breakthroughs in quantum mechanics have been applied to real world applications?
  50. G

    Newtons 2nd Law of motion Practical Questions

    So i have a few questions in relation to a practical completed in grade 11 Physics The basic experiment about the 2nd law, in which a hanging weight is used to accelerate a cart the practical also had a 2nd part in which weights were added to the small cart to decrease the acceleration while...
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