Problems
9
Problems
1.1 Suppose you are attempting to answer a friend who asks a “why” question.
Formulate such a question, and then generate answers to a series of at least three
“why”s from your friend following your answers.
1.2 Challenge: Argue that in a single universe, the logic that applies to its dynamics
must also be singular. For example, the laws that govern how gravity operates cannot
be unlinked to how electromagnetism operates.
1.3 Challenge: Create two different models to explain how DNA might direct an
embryo to have a heart on the left side (rather than the right). If possible, apply
Occam’s razor to these two models.
1.4 Explain: A Newtonian description of the gravitational interaction of stars in
our galaxy, taken as point masses, no longer applies if a pair of masses collide.
How does this kind of boundary exist for the electric and magnetic interaction of
point-like charges?
1.5 In brief, what more recent fundamental ideas now support Darwin’s theory
since his discovery?
1.6 Give an example of an emergent principle in the crystallization process in
inorganic systems.
1.7 Argue for and then against the proposition that the advancement of science
required a series of geniuses.
1.8 Argue for and then against the proposition that all life forms eventually evolve
into an intelligence capable of science.
1.9 What actions in a biological system might go against Darwinian evolution?
1.10 Give an example of an emergent principle in the social realm.
9
Problems
1.1 Suppose you are attempting to answer a friend who asks a “why” question.
Formulate such a question, and then generate answers to a series of at least three
“why”s from your friend following your answers.
1.2 Challenge: Argue that in a single universe, the logic that applies to its dynamics
must also be singular. For example, the laws that govern how gravity operates cannot
be unlinked to how electromagnetism operates.
1.3 Challenge: Create two different models to explain how DNA might direct an
embryo to have a heart on the left side (rather than the right). If possible, apply
Occam’s razor to these two models.
1.4 Explain: A Newtonian description of the gravitational interaction of stars in
our galaxy, taken as point masses, no longer applies if a pair of masses collide.
How does this kind of boundary exist for the electric and magnetic interaction of
point-like charges?
1.5 In brief, what more recent fundamental ideas now support Darwin’s theory
since his discovery?
1.6 Give an example of an emergent principle in the crystallization process in
inorganic systems.
1.7 Argue for and then against the proposition that the advancement of science
required a series of geniuses.
1.8 Argue for and then against the proposition that all life forms eventually evolve
into an intelligence capable of science.
1.9 What actions in a biological system might go against Darwinian evolution?
1.10 Give an example of an emergent principle in the social realm.