Why Do Scientists Outlast Technologists In Terms Of Memories ?

[petrushkagoogol]

Even today, Isaac Newton is ingrained in the public psyche, whereas Charles Babbage could be confused with Charles Cabbage !

 

Is it because physics and cosmic law is eternal and technology evanescent ?  :computerkick: 

[Maine farmer]

For starters, we learn about Isaac Newton fairly early in grade school, and his work provides is a fundamental starting place for learning physics.  Most people might use computers, but few need to know how they work.

[JMJones0424]

Why is Charles Babbage not a scientist?  Why aren't technologists (do you really mean engineer here) a subset of all scientists?

 

Physical laws are by their nature static.  A physical law is a description of a set of observations made under specific circumstances.  A physical law may be refined in order to include more accurate observations made under more varying circumstances, but the original law remains as a conglomeration of observations.

 

This differs fundamentally from a technology.  A particular technology's utility diminishes as better engineering solutions are discovered over time.  It is not unreasonable for the understanding of the original technology to become useless other than as an historic fact as the field progresses.  I don't think it would be useful for students studying IT to construct a difference engine.

Edited July 7, 2017 by JMJones0424

[petrushkagoogol]

Why is Charles Babbage not a scientist?  Why aren't technologists (do you really mean engineer here) a subset of all scientists?

 

Physical laws are by their nature static.  A physical law is a description of a set of observations made under specific circumstances.  A physical law may be refined in order to include more accurate observations made under more varying circumstances, but the original law remains as a conglomeration of observations.

 

This differs fundamentally from a technology.  A particular technology's utility diminishes as better engineering solutions are discovered over time.  It is not unreasonable for the understanding of the original technology to become useless other than as an historic fact as the field progresses.  I don't think it would be useful for students studying IT to construct a difference engine.

 

Reminds of the era of vinyl records, VCR's and Walkmen .....   :p

[Turtle]

Thomas Edison