英语学术演讲与写作4篇Summary

Summary of ‘scientists shouldn’t be surprised by the popularity of intelligent d esign’ In his article ’’ which addresses many scientists , grumps over the persistence of ID(in telligent design), scott Lilienfeld postulates that many Americans, approval of ID cann ot be blamed on their lack of common sense but rather their dependence on their com mon sense or intuition in making judgments which turns them awayfrom the theory of natural selection. According to Lilienfeld ,the difficulty in intuiting how marvelous cr eatures and organisms have resulted from natural selection has prevented many Ameri cans from accepting Darwinian Theory while the same common sense has made ID ra ther tempting to them.As is indicated by a multitude of examples of wrong beliefs bas ed on common sense, intuition does not provide a reliable means of understanding the world. Unfortunately, scientists and science educators have failed to teach research m ethods and academic skills that can help debunk misconceptions compatible with peo ple,s common sense. Finally , Lilienfeld concludes that a radical shift in science educa tion has to be initiated so that scientists would not face a fiasco when confronting erro neous claims refuged by people,s common sense. Summary of ‘Empowerment and Restraint in Scientific Communication’ In his article “”, Philip Campbell highlights a dire likely consequence of biologists ” increased ability to obtain and distribute scientific information that such informatio n may be exploited by people with heinous intentions. Scientific communication, acco rding to Campbell, has seen significant development due to the invention of powerful software and hardware that facilitate scientists” acquisition of information and reduc e the trouble they may otherwise have to take in order to publicize their research. Ho wever, the resulting plethora of biological information spawns a hazard that the infor mation may be used to build biological weapons, and this hazard has come to peoples attention with synthetic biologys recent development. Campbell points out that it is rel atively easy to abuse biological knowledge while biological studies often bring about unexpected results.People using biological information for malicious purpose may be whoever have learnt to exploit simple biological technologies and are not necessarily committed to terrorist agendas. Campbell believes that the decisions made by funding agencies and scientific journals who are the gatekeepers of biological research will be crucial in reducing the risks of information abuse and what proactive measure should be taken has to be considered by all related parties. Summary of ‘ethical, legal and social implications of autonomous systems’ In his article“”Austin Modine highlights that robot driver will control the vehicles whi ch raises problems in different social levels.Autonomous robots will deprive people of their control.For Modines assume that human interaction is necessary,but human will make mistakes because of their wrong decision.Autonomous systems also have a tend ency to make mistake.And there is a problem that who will be responsible for the failu re.A concern that autonomous systems are held back until they dont make mistakes an y more.The reaction to failures between autonomous systems and manned systems sh ould be chosen if it make less mistakes than human-operators and technical systems.F inally,Austine Modine conclude that many questions should be solved in order to mak e autonomous systems accept legally and socially. Summary of ‘why do things become more complex’ In his article “Why Do Things Become More Complex” Carrington highlights a ph enomenon that simplicity becomes more complex, and people are interested in the co mplexity. In the history, the turbojet engine invented by Frank Whittle just use a simpl e compressor-turbine combination as the motivation. After many years, the jet engine changed more complicated as the pressure of commercial and military interests, usuall y by adding a subsystem. Modern engines have a vastly complex array of interconnect ed subsystems subassemblyes. The jet engines work like a cheetah both in the outside and inside, sleekly and complicatedly. In the process of growing complexity, it has ma ny obstacle for people to overcome, such as new bureaucratic offices and departments . The complexity brings a mass of problems to keep the performance like maintenance repairs, et.al.. And functions and modifications tends to increase complexity through overcoming limitations, abnormal circumstances and adapting to the complex world. The renewable simplicity often emerges slowly after the growing complication. Finall y, Carrington concludes that complexity should be checked so that it can evolves natur ally and deliver powerful performance. And also need to final things to bring renewab le simplicity after the complexity.