So what to do with knowledge of how the universe works?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relevance of understanding the Big Bang Theory and the universe's workings in relation to immediate earthly concerns. Participants emphasize that scientific discoveries, such as those from Bell Labs related to satellite radio communications, have practical applications, including the development of GPS, cell phones, and personal computers. The conversation highlights the intrinsic human desire to seek answers to complex questions, suggesting that knowledge of the universe can lead to technological advancements that benefit society.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Big Bang Theory
  • Familiarity with the contributions of Bell Labs to satellite communications
  • Basic knowledge of General and Special Relativity
  • Awareness of the technological impacts of space exploration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the practical applications of the Big Bang Theory in modern technology
  • Explore the history and innovations from Bell Labs
  • Study the principles of General and Special Relativity
  • Investigate the societal benefits derived from space exploration programs
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in the intersection of theoretical physics and practical technology, educators explaining the relevance of scientific inquiry, and anyone curious about the societal impacts of space research.

blank.black
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
A friend of mine (an old man in his 70's) watched the History Channel shows on The Universe and the Big Bang Theory and all that and asked me - "so what if the universe started with a big bang? what good does it do me by knowing this fact? why worry about all this stuff in the universe when there is so much on Earth to worry about? why can't all these scientists on TV put their heads together to solve (more immediate) problems here on Earth than worrying about the ones outside Earth?"

I haven't answered him yet...What do I tell him?
 
Space news on Phys.org
blank.black said:
A friend of mine (an old man in his 70's) watched the History Channel shows on The Universe and the Big Bang Theory and all that and asked me - "so what if the universe started with a big bang? what good does it do me by knowing this fact? why worry about all this stuff in the universe when there is so much on Earth to worry about? why can't all these scientists on TV put their heads together to solve (more immediate) problems here on Earth than worrying about the ones outside Earth?"

I haven't answered him yet...What do I tell him?

There are scientists working on that stuff, these scientists on the TV just aren't AS INTERESTED in Earth as they are in space and the universe etc.. So?

One of the perks of being a scientist and going into academia etc. is that you really are working in a field that you enjoy working in a lot. (Well from people I've talked to at least, I assume there are some that don't like their career choice as much :-p)
 
blank.black said:
...why can't all these scientists on TV...

I haven't answered him yet...What do I tell him?
Tell him that the discovery that forms the backbone of the Big Bang Theory was by Bell Labs scientists working on satellite radio communications.

Tell him that without the space program, he'd have neither velcro or a cell phone nor a PC.

Tell him that GPS requires both the space program and General and Special Relativity.
 
Ask him if he's ever read or watched a murder mystery and if so, why? It is a deeply seated aspect of human beings to find the answer to unanswered questions, and we always seem to reap benefits of one sort or another along the way.
 
russ_watters said:
Tell him that the discovery that forms the backbone of the Big Bang Theory was by Bell Labs scientists working on satellite radio communications.
QUOTE]

Now this, I had no idea about.
 
blank.black said:
A friend of mine (an old man in his 70's) watched the History Channel shows on The Universe and the Big Bang Theory and all that and asked me - "so what if the universe started with a big bang? what good does it do me by knowing this fact? why worry about all this stuff in the universe when there is so much on Earth to worry about? why can't all these scientists on TV put their heads together to solve (more immediate) problems here on Earth than worrying about the ones outside Earth?"

I haven't answered him yet...What do I tell him?

Because those scientists want to do what they love.
 

Similar threads

High School Do we 100% know what the geometry of the Universe is?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
Undergrad What Are the Origins of the Universe?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School Big Bang and Infinite Universe
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
High School Age of Universe: Big Bang, Braneworlds & Perspective
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Undergrad How would the laws of thermodynamics change in a contracting universe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Estimates — True Size of the Universe?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
6K
High School Does Roger Penrose's Big Bang cyclic-universe thing make sense?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Big bounce theory in light of the closed Universe finding
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the CPT-Symmetric Universe Theory the Key to Solving the Antimatter Mystery?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Why so many want, or are not disturbed by, a "deterministic" universe?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K