- #1
bjnartowt
- 265
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How have some of you used your knowledge of physics to serve others, and be a contributing member of society? Or: any suggestions?
How a Theoretical Physicist Makes Themselves Useful to Society?
- Thread starter bjnartowt
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around how theoretical physicists can apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to society. Participants explore various ways to serve others, particularly in the context of education and community involvement, while also addressing the perceived disconnect between theoretical physics and practical applications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants share personal experiences of using physics knowledge to prevent societal issues, such as financial crises.
- There is a suggestion that theoretical physicists may be perceived as working on esoteric topics with little practical application, prompting a discussion on the relevance of their work.
- One participant highlights the contributions of historical figures like John Bardeen to modern technology, suggesting that theoretical work can have significant societal impacts.
- Several participants express a desire to find immediate ways to apply their physics education, particularly in tutoring or volunteering, while acknowledging their current educational limitations.
- There is a discussion on the financial benefits of tutoring as a way to serve the community while also building personal resumes.
- Some participants argue that helping society does not necessarily require being a physicist, emphasizing that various educated individuals can contribute meaningfully.
- One participant asserts that the primary purpose of a physicist is to understand and explain phenomena, rather than directly serving society.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the role of theoretical physicists in society. While some see value in tutoring and volunteering, others question the necessity of a physicist's direct contribution to societal needs, suggesting that contributions can come from various fields.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty about the applicability of their skills and the societal impact of theoretical physics. There are also varying opinions on the relationship between education level and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
- #2
twofish-quant
- 6,821
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I played a small role in preventing the world financial system from collapsing, and by doing so helped prevent a second great depression.
- #3
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bjnartowt said:
This is a puzzling question. It seems to imply that theoretical physicists only work in areas of physics that are esoteric and no relations to anything applicable. Do you think that theoretical physicists only work in subjects like high energy physics and string theory?
Look up the name "John Bardeen". He was a theorist, and without him, your modern electronics (your computer, iPods, etc..) would not work.
Zz.
- #4
lubuntu
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Enhancing humanity's knowledge of the universe is a pretty fine contribution to society.
- #5
bjnartowt
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I wasn't insinuating anything. I was just wondering how I could make use of my skills *now*. Namely: I'm not yet educated enough to publish anything in what seems to be my advisor's field (quantum electrodynamics).
However, I sure as heck know how to take a derivative and I have about an undergraduate's understanding of physics. (a splash of QM, a bit of classical mechanics at the calc of variations level, a bit of electrodynamics): how can I serve people with these? (And...perhaps...build up my resume a bit, too...if I may be selfish
).
However, I sure as heck know how to take a derivative and I have about an undergraduate's understanding of physics. (a splash of QM, a bit of classical mechanics at the calc of variations level, a bit of electrodynamics): how can I serve people with these? (And...perhaps...build up my resume a bit, too...if I may be selfish
).- #6
Bourbaki1123
- 326
- 0
I don't know about building up your resume, but you can build up your wallet's size by tutoring at a good price(really depends on where you are).
I live near a relatively small city and a friend of mine has been posting ads for tutoring at the high school level for $50 an hour and is getting hits. $50 and hour is pretty damn good money, and you would be sort of ...serving...or at least making money off of your services!
If you can get ten to twenty hours a week you could be making a ton. I'm sure you could easily pass the Praxis exam to pad your resume.
I live near a relatively small city and a friend of mine has been posting ads for tutoring at the high school level for $50 an hour and is getting hits. $50 and hour is pretty damn good money, and you would be sort of ...serving...or at least making money off of your services!
If you can get ten to twenty hours a week you could be making a ton. I'm sure you could easily pass the Praxis exam to pad your resume.
- #7
bjnartowt
- 265
- 3
Basically, what I'm asking: I'm not yet at the level of physics-education where I can publish the solutions to current problems in physics. Is there anything I can do in the meantime that helps society?
- #8
Nabeshin
Science Advisor
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bjnartowt said:
As mentioned, tutoring is great. I imagine you could help kids at the high school or undergraduate level. That's really all there is to do at this point, if you want to use what you've been learning at least.
- #9
dotman
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bjnartowt said:
The vast. vast. vast majority of people who work for the benefit of society, as you put it, don't do it by publishing the solutions to current problems in physics.
Go volunteer for something you believe in.
- #10
mal4mac
- 1,201
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Teaching high school is not 'sort of' serving, it *is* serving!
- #11
symbolipoint
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
Gold Member
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bjnartowt said:
Helping society does not require being a physicist. A variety of highly educated people in sciences or engineering can help society. The purpose of a physicist is not really to help society; it is to understand and explain. The purpose of other educated and trained people is to help society (although sometimes applications of theirs actually hurt society a bit).
Analytical, quantitative, and sometimes computer-programming skills, themselves without having any particular finished Degree are enough to do useful things in some small segment of society. Anyone with at least some physics education would be able to solve some problems using Arithmetic (and sometimes a bit of Geometry) combined with chosen fundamental principles. Solving problems is helping at least some small part of society.