Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Philosophy Explorer]

We have cars and planes and trains and other modes of transportation. Then we also have computers and smartphones and tvs. I'm sure you're starting to get the picture. There are many examples where physics has left its footprint.

The question is where has physics been most practical, whether short-range or long-term? What do you think?

PhilX

[Alan Masterman]

Definitely, in improving our ability to kill ever larger numbers of undesirables with less and less expenditure of resources. Killing is good! Killing solves problems! Just ask any of our political leaders...

[Artimas]

Definitely, in improving our ability to kill ever larger numbers of undesirables with less and less expenditure of resources. Killing is good! Killing solves problems! Just ask any of our political leaders...

That's not advancement or intelligence. That's cruelty, ill compassion, destruction, etc.

I would say the internet has the biggest mark, for now.

[Supine]

The nuclear bomb. At least for the 20th century. Maybe IT (information technology) for the beginning of the 21st century so far.

These android phones are pretty cool. I have an outdated smartphone with a pretty sucky 3.5 or so megapixel camera. Still convenient, but these newer tech smart phones with there far better cameras are really awesome tools of convenience that grants some freedom to persons owning them. I remember when "beepers" were high tech that medical doctors and drug dealers owned. Then everyone got them. I remember when you traveled with no phone and got flat tires on the interstate in the pitch black of night.

Digital money has created greater freedom for people, too, in the forms of debit cards and credit cards. The new crypto-currency is probably going to revolutionize things, too, adding more freedom. Probably resulting in Western Union going out of business as a third party source between monetary transactions.

[Artimas]

The nuclear bomb. At least for the 20th century. Maybe IT (information technology) for the beginning of the 21st century so far.

These android phones are pretty cool. I have an outdated smartphone with a pretty sucky 3.5 or so megapixel camera. Still convenient, but these newer tech smart phones with there far better cameras are really awesome tools of convenience that grants some freedom to persons owning them. I remember when "beepers" were high tech that medical doctors and drug dealers owned. Then everyone got them. I remember when you traveled with no phone and got flat tires on the interstate in the pitch black of night.

Digital money has created greater freedom for people, too, in the forms of debit cards and credit cards. The new crypto-currency is probably going to revolutionize things, too, adding more freedom. Probably resulting in Western Union going out of business as a third party source between monetary transactions.

The nuclear bomb, over Tesla's unlimited energy? Albert Einsten even regretted the A bomb.

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” - Albert Einstein (contemplating nuclear devastation)

“The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking…the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind. If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker.” - Albert Einstein Quotes

“The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking, and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophes.” - Albert Einstein Quotes

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” - Albert Einstein

“The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an “existing one.” - Albert Einstein Quotes

“He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, senseless brutality, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism, how violently I hate all this, how despicable and ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be part of so base an action! It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder.” - Albert Einstein

It indeed did show to be as destructive as they wanted.

[Supine]

I'm just saying the nuclear bomb proved to be very practical, a great achievement for physicists, in what the nuclear bomb was designed to do militarily, Artimas.

I'm not saying the invention of the nuclear bomb was a good thing for humanity or other life forms on earth.

[Artimas]

I'm just saying the nuclear bomb proved to be very practical, a great achievement for physicists, in what the nuclear bomb was designed to do militarily, Artimas.

I'm not saying the invention of the nuclear bomb was a good thing for humanity or other life forms on earth.

Yeah, I got that after I reviewed the topic again, indeed it was practical for its usage, destruction/annihilation.

[Logicus]

Physics is not practical, it is largely theoretic and esoteric. It's greatest contribution has been to give us a greater understanding of the world we live in. The things you all describe here are the fruits of technology, not physics. Technology, contrary to popular belief, is not part of physics or even science. It is a branch of moral philosophy.