Locate ONE journal article (using the Triton\'s electronic library databases) on

Question

Locate ONE journal article (using the Triton's electronic library databases) on a topic of your choice. Summarize the article, or tell the class something about that article that you have learned. Try to write this post in a formal manner. It may be a bit longer than your previous posts. PLEASE DO NOT COPY AND PASTE information from your article. +Include the article LINK. +Summarize the article +Explain how the article (and the points it makes) relates to our modern society, helps to solve a problem, gives insight, etc.

Explanation / Answer

     This review paper is about A Vast Machine by Paul N. Edwards. Edwards has collected the data from archives and has interviewed many scientists working in the field of climate science. Edwards looks at how meteorology; weather forecasting and climatology; climate modelling science came into existence. Edwards observed that these two sciences used to be unrelated during their initial years of existence but currently these two are more and more used in association with each other. This point is important because as Edwards shows that everything we know about climate change comes from integrating these two bodies of knowledge. Edwards explains that with regard to reanalysis models- these are prepared using data on weather forecasting and to collate it with actual observations. The other kind of model is the data analysis model. These are prepared using mathematical techniques to process past data available on weather and climate. The simulation models that are used to predict the climate are based on physical theory. In doing so, Edwards is not discrediting the science but questioning the ideal way in which science is viewed. His aim is to highlight the “craft” aspect in the construction of Scientific Knowledge.

          The important point with regards to models used in climate science to predict climate change is that all the models are derived by humans based on some kind of a theory or mathematics. The verification for these predictions is also carried out using simulations; a built model. And at the end of the day human is a fallible being.

     If science is to be viewed as craft then it opens up the scope of various interpretations and constructions just as in social science. So the line between the two are blurring and If the aim of the author is to focus on the “craft” aspect of science then how would one place the goof ups or fudging in science? N. Castree describes the two goof-ups in the ‘climate change consensus’ that came to light are: In November 2009, the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit Scientists came under suspicion of scientific dishonesty. They did not come forthright about information pertaining to their methods of working and sources of data. The other incident involves United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Its report on scientific assessment (IPCC 2007) had inflated the data about Himalayan glacier melting. These incidents cast doubt on the scientific conduct and questioned the current relationship between Knower and the known. (A note- this book was written before these incidents happened).

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse L
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.