201705 Clash of the Titans來自英語沙龍00:0007:31

探索科學(xué)奧秘有兩種重要的方法，一種是像達爾文提出的歸納法；一個是愛因斯坦論述的演繹法。達爾文花了數(shù)年時間觀察不同地區(qū)的動物外觀和特性進行觀察采集，最終提出了自然選擇理論：物種可以根據(jù)環(huán)境而改變。阿爾伯特·愛因斯坦堪稱是演繹推理之王，他總是提出一個大但的設(shè)想，然后通過大量的實驗去證明，其中最著名的就是相對論中的質(zhì)量與能量的相互轉(zhuǎn)換（E = mc2）。無論是歸納法還是演繹法，只要你確立了正確的方向，兩種方法可謂殊途同歸。縱觀歷史，科學(xué)界的許多奧秘都是通過這兩種方法得以解決。

There are at least two ways to approach a scientific mystery. 

Induction (as described by Darwin), or deduction (as described by Einstein). Both methods can produce amazing results. But only when you know which “direction” to go.

The Steps Are the Same.

THEY INCLUDE:

Theory = An explanation of how things work

Experiment = A way to test what’s happening

Observation = Something you notice

Together, these are called the scientific method.*

*LONGER DEFINITIONS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL STEPS SUCH AS PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS.

Where to Begin?

Should you start from the “bottom” by collecting evidence and seeing where that leads you? That’s induction. Charles Darwin (1809–1882) championed this approach. He spent years observing the appearance and behavior of animals in different locales. From this, he formulated his theory of natural selection: that species can change because of their environment.

Or should you start from the “top” by formulating a theory and then seeing how it stands up in real life? That’s deduction. Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was king here. He began with bold ideas—for example, that mass and energy can convert into each other (e = mc2). These theories often took years to prove by experiment. A few of Einstein’s ideas are still being investigated.

Throughout history, science’s greatest mysteries have been solved using both methods (see 6 Top Scientists Take Sides).

So Which Way Is Best?

It depends on your point of view. Some researchers perform experiments and tests, and only later consider where their results may lead them. That’s induction. By comparison, deduction requires you to propose a theory that may or may not be supported by the evidence. You could say it’s more mysterious as well. For example, Einstein credited “intuition” for some of the questions that led to his great ideas.

Can You Use Both Methods?

Definitely. Many scientific discoveries result from a flexible attitude: beginning with a theory, for example, but changing it when experiments show something unexpected.

The best scientists are always ready to change approaches as the need arises.

Now It’s Your Turn.

Read the three mini-stories below. Then decide whether induction or deduction is being used to solve the problem. Notice that these stories aren’t all about science. That’s because we also use induction and deduction in our daily lives.(Answers below, right.)

1. For the science fair, Catherine proposes that red light will grow geraniums more effectively than green light. Her experiments later prove her theory is correct.

2. Cory uses a slow-motion camera to record gymnasts in action. Using this data, he devises a new method to dismount the balance beam.

3. To choose a band for the prom, Madison polls her classmates on their favorite music and recording artists.

Titan【希神】提坦；巨人

Induction 歸納法

Darwin 查爾斯·羅伯特·達爾文，英國生物學(xué)家，生物進化論的奠基人。

Deduction 演繹，推理

Einstein 阿爾伯特·愛因斯坦，猶太裔物理學(xué)家，現(xiàn)代物理學(xué)的開創(chuàng)者、奠基人，相對論——“質(zhì)能關(guān)系”的創(chuàng)立者。他創(chuàng)立了代表現(xiàn)代科學(xué)的相對論，并在1921年獲得諾貝爾物理學(xué)獎。

Gregor Mendel 格里哥·孟德爾，遺傳學(xué)的奠基人，被譽為現(xiàn)代遺傳學(xué)之父。

Alexander Fleming 亞歷山大·弗萊明，英國細菌學(xué)家，生物化學(xué)家，微生物學(xué)家。弗萊明1923年發(fā)現(xiàn)溶菌酶，1928年首先發(fā)現(xiàn)了青霉素。

Ernest Rutherford 歐內(nèi)斯特·盧瑟福，新西蘭著名物理學(xué)家，被譽為原子核物理學(xué)之父。學(xué)術(shù)界公認他為繼法拉第之后最偉大的實驗物理學(xué)家，1908年獲諾貝爾化學(xué)獎。

Isaac Newton艾薩克·牛頓爵士，英國皇家學(xué)會會長，英國著名的物理學(xué)家，百科全書式的“全才”，著有《自然哲學(xué)的數(shù)學(xué)原理》、《光學(xué)》。

universal gravitation 萬有引力，萬有引力定律是解釋物體之間的相互作用的引力的定律。

Democritus 德謨克里特斯，古希臘哲學(xué)家，原子唯物論的創(chuàng)立者。

Alfred Wegener 阿爾弗雷德·魏格納，德國地質(zhì)學(xué)家、氣象學(xué)家，提出大陸漂移學(xué)說，被稱為“大陸漂移學(xué)說之父” 。