The 3 Sciences

[williamkwan]

I read an interesting paragraph about the relationship between the 3 sciences, in a chem reference book written by Peter Cann and Peter Hughes. So here goes:

"Chemistry is the central science, at the crossroad of biology and its associated discipline on the one hand, and pohyscis on the other. Chemistry relies on physics for its understanding of

Comments

[chendabao]

wad we're doing now is like a pyramid (or more appropriately an inverse "T" shape). we start off wif a generally broad base to build on the foundation, then when we want to specialise, we will only focus on one small area based on the artificial divisions. if we were to remove those artificial divisions and seek "perfect knowledge" it will be like a pillar, the base is as broad as the tip. but that will cause more pressure on the foundation. so it's kinda hard to "balance" between the two (pun not intended).

but having the divisions at the foundation level may weaken the foundation. as you mentioned, "hopefully the students will be able to see the links". if a student doesnt see the link, it will not be a pyramid or an inverse T shape, but just a pole with random pebbles around it. it's still weak.

ok forgive my random analogies :P

[williamkwan]

The model of having a broad-based education early on before specializing later had been used for quite a long time.

For one, it let the student to know the basics of almost everything, so they can explore their interest. Moreover, due to their young age, it will be quite a waste of time to go much more in-depth, considering their stage of development.

Obviously the problem is letting the student seeing the link between the different discipline. As far as I know though, there does not seem to be much discussion/focus on it.

[notquiteacow]

You know how much time we can waste just by following links on wikipedia? The quest for perfect knowledge will lead into a somewhat similar situation. Too much information, too little time.

[williamkwan]

I think you misunderstand the term "perfect knowledge". Since I think I'm not being very clear in my post, let me try to clarify it here.

To quote from my reading, "But to have perfect knowledge would require that the mind should grasp the relation of everything to everything else, that it should see the unity of the whole of reality....It is by the power of dialetic that the mind moves towards its highest goal, for this is the power of seeing at once the relation of all divisions of knowledge to each other".

As you can see, comprehending the "relation of everything to everything else" is not really a process about knowing, but about understanding. So we are not talking about knowing all the knowledge in this world, but about seeing the links between each divisions of knowledge.

And it is doubtful whether surfing on wikipedia can enhance your understanding. Thus, I think the part about following links on wiki is a bit off-topic.

I will try to be clearer next time, lest I suffer from private language.