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5. Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival

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Summary

This essay is written by Russian mathematical geophysicist and seismologist Vladimir Keilis-Borok. It is titled "Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind Survival." The facts surrounding science and the remarkable impact it has had on people's lives around the world have been presented in this essay. This essay has demonstrated how scientists from all over the world transcend national identities to find solutions to global issues. The speaker of this essay is the essayist himself. In this, we find him advocating science, claiming that science is the essential steward and protector of humanity.

The author begins by stating that scientists earn less than lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and other professionals. Despite this, some people continue to choose to be scientists because they can't live without inventing and discovering. The author asserts that science is an exciting adventure in which the discovery itself provides the primary reward. Through their discoveries, the scientist receives honors and promotions rather than large sums of money. While a scientist enjoys independence, camaraderie, and freedom, he or she earns less than lawyers, doctors, or businesspeople.

The writer then tells his readers about his experience during the cold war. According to the author, the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences summoned him to Geneva in 1960 while he was conducting research on seismic waves—also known as Earth tremors in Moscow. A letter from Geneva about a meeting in Geneva about nuclear weapons was shown to him by the President. Frank Press, a scientist from the United States, referenced him.

The fear of nuclear weapons' annihilation was so great at that time. People were constantly in fear. 1960 marked the height of the cold war. There were a lot of nuclear weapons in the superpower nations like America, England, and Russia (Soviet Union). Using nuclear weapons, they could easily harm other nations in their first attack. Before Geneva Summit, for the endurance of mankind, a significant choice was taken by the legislators of three strong countries. The new nuclear weapons test would not be allowed unless the three nuclear powers came to an agreement. Scientists from both sides had to come to an agreement during that incident to promote world peace and prevent the use of nuclear weapons. This was the climate of the cold war. The author learned from that episode that science is everyone's only hope for survival and well-being.

The agreement to halt the testing of new nuclear weapons was signed by the nuclear powers. However, they had to deal with the issue of how they (other powers) could detect a nuclear weapon test that was carried out underground and in violation of the agreement. As a result, scientists and other technical experts were brought in to resolve the issue.

The author had theoretical knowledge of seismic waves as a seismologist. His hypothetical information had an immediate application in the space. He knew a lot about earthquake tremors and earthquake tremors from underground nuclear explosions. The writer would easily be able to tell the difference between the two kinds of tremors given his knowledge.

The author asserts that scientists are the most practical people on earth. This can be seen in new technologies and industry brands, from entertainment to defense. Antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, the green revolution, genetic forensic diagnosis, and other innovations are developed by the researchers. People always benefit from the fundamental knowledge of science in their lives.

The writer asserts that both natural and man-made catastrophes pose a threat to our civilization's continued existence. Earthquakes, self-inflicted destruction of megacities, environmental catastrophes, and social and economic crises are all examples of natural disasters. The author cites an outburst of mass violence and a massive release of radioactivity from nuclear waste disposal as examples of man-made disasters.

Because it is the only science that can guarantee our safe progression through time, science is our indispensable guardian and caretaker. Countries had agreed to not secretly test nuclear weapons if humanity was to survive. However, human survival was ensured by science and its practitioners. It is the only science capable of distinguishing between natural earthquakes and tremors brought on by nuclear explosions. We can find new energy sources, mineral deposits, and effective defenses against terrorism thanks to science.

The significance of science's hope for humanity's survival is also greater. Both natural and man-made disasters are threatening humanity's safety right now. Whether the issue is terrorism or a tsunami, money alone cannot solve it. Only scientific solutions offer hope. As a result, the author has a myriad of reasons to believe that science is the only hope for survival.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

a. What benefits do scientists receive in addition to large sums of money?

Instead of big money, scientists get honors and promotions. Through his or her discoveries, he or she receives these rewards.

b. What issue did the nuclear powers encounter?

The agreement to halt nuclear weapon testing had been signed by the nuclear powers. Yet, they had dealt with the issue that assuming anybody disregarded the arrangement by secret underground testing of atomic weapons, how might they identify that test.

c. Where exactly did Keilis Borok put his theoretical knowledge to use?

The theoretical knowledge of Keilis Borok was directly applicable to human survival. Earth tremors, similar to those caused by earthquakes, were produced by underground nuclear explosions. The author would be aware of the distinction between the two distinct tremors thanks to his knowledge.

d. Prior to the Geneva Summit, what was the most significant decision made by politicians?

The politicians made a significant decision to prohibit the nuclear weapons test prior to the Geneva Summit. The decision was made with optimism for human survival. They assert that there would be no competition for the development of nuclear weapons if nuclear tests were prohibited.

e. According to the author, which types of natural and man-made disasters are there?

According to the author, natural disasters include earthquakes, self-inflicted destruction of megacities, environmental catastrophes while economic and social crises, and nuclear waste disposal's massive release of radioactivity, an outbreak of mass violence, war, and other similar events are man-made.

REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT:

a. In the phrase "If you are clever, why are you so poor?"

the professional is referred to as "you."identifies a_____ .

i. lawyer ii. physician iii. scientist iv. businessman. Justify your selection.

A scientist is mentioned. By nature, scientists are brilliant and clever. Their salaries are lower than those of lawyers, doctors, and businesspeople. However, they value independence, camaraderie, and freedom. The author wants to demonstrate that, despite the fact that scientists possess a great deal of wisdom, this knowledge rarely contributes to their wealth. Consequently, scientists are typically educated but not wealthy.

b. According to the author, "I wound up in Geneva." What is it trying to say?

It conveys the writer's surprise. He was gathered out of nowhere to go to the gathering connected with atomic weapons in Geneva. During a disagreement with experts from Moscow, an American scientist named Frank Press cited his work.

c. Are the accompanying assertions valid? If not, why not? Talk about it with your partner.

i. Money has more influence than intellectual capital.

This assertion is incorrect, in fact. While financial resources are fleeting, intellectual resources continue to produce excellent results. Money cannot be guaranteed in any way. Money causes numerous issues. However, anyone can achieve success and perfection through intellectual resources.

ii. Intellectual capital contributes to human survival.

This assertion is accurate, in fact. Humanity's security can only be ensured by intellectual resources. Humanity has access to medical care, protection from terrorism, a healthy lifestyle, and entertainment as a result of intellectual resources.

iii. Disasters can be avoided by conducting basic research.

Indeed, this assertion is correct. Individuals on the planet are carrying on with their life safely trusting in logical explores. Scientists keep an eye on the changes in the environment and warn people about the possibility of disasters. People are protected by the research-based information they have.

d. In what way does the author of the essay argue that scientific research is necessary for human survival?

From the very start of civilization, humans have faced different illness, plagues, disasters, epidemics, catastophies and destruction. However, from all these, it was science that recused human beings. In order to live a healthy, luxurious, safe life science has played a crucial. Therefore, the writer argues that scientific research is undisputed answer to all the problems o the world.

e. Why might the author of the essay use quotations in the text?

The essayist uses quotations in the essay to convey the main points he wants to convey to the reader in a clear and concise manner. The essayist continues to support his ideas throughout his essay by quoting legends.

f. Talk about and show how the author believes that scientists are the most practical people in the world.

In this essay, the author asserts that scientists are the world's most practical people. He claims that new technologies and emerging brands in a variety of industries, from entertainment to defense, demonstrate their practical application. Antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, modes of transportation, the green revolution, genetic forensic diagnosis, and other innovations are created by scientists. Scientists are the most practical people, as this demonstrates.

REFERENCE BEYOND THE TEXT

a. Everyone lives in constant fear of being annihilated by nuclear weapons. Describe this assertion.

The essayist is educating all of his readers about the critical situation of the cold war in 1960 in this line. The circumstance was truly terrifying. The three superpowers—the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom—possessed more than enough nuclear weapons for their initial attack. Consequently, everyone on the earth lived under the danger of demolition by atomic weapons. These superpowers agreed to confront this threat.

b. "While there is science, there is the hope of survival and wellbeing for all of us," the essayist writes. Describe it.

There are numerous disasters that mankind has and will face. The disasters could be man-made or natural. Despite that, as long as there are scientists, they will sooner or later find a solution to it. If we look at previous disasters, they were mostly solved by scientist. In this regard the writer brings his own experience as an example, when scientists, including him, found a solution to stop nuclear bomb testing in the world that save millions of people from a nuclear disaster and writes the above mentioned opinion.

c. Is science beneficial or detrimental? Write a paragraph about it.

Depending on how it is applied, science has the potential to be both useful and harmful. It has resulted in amazing improvements in technology, medicine, and other sectors, allowing us to live longer and healthier lives. But, if its power is exploited, it may be utilized for harmful reasons. Its advancement is fraught with ethical quandaries as we grapple with complicated questions of right and wrong, as well as long-term hazards that are impossible to anticipate. While science provides many benefits, it is critical to evaluate the potential consequences of any new findings before diving in headfirst.