[cdn-nucl-l] Re: [MbrExchange] Physics Today: The culture of force

[AtomicRod@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/4/04 7:08:32 PM, jerrycuttler@rogers.com writes:


> When I was a student, the subject that gave me the most trouble was
> classical mechanics. That always struck me as peculiar, because I had no
> trouble learning more advanced subjects, which were supposed to be harder.
> Now I think I've figured it out. It was a case of culture shock. Coming from
> mathematics, I was expecting an algorithm. Instead I encountered something
> quite different- a sort of culture, in fact. Let me explain.


Jerry:
Very thought provoking. It helps to explain for me why I sometimes have such difficulty understanding scientists, but have a great affinity with engineers.

Unlike the author, classical mechanics and its closely related fields of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics come very easily to me. Sure, I have to press my "I believe" button on occasion, but I can apply the equations to the real world of building and operating machinery and tools.

Whenever I tried to understand "more advanced" physics, I just got a headache and never saw any results from the strenuous mental labor.

Someday, I may figure out how to express just how distressing it is that journalists continually lump scientists and engineers into a single monolithic group when we have such fundamental differences in world view and skills.

Rod Adams