Science as a Timeless Intergenerational Journey
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Chapter 1: The Legacy of Knowledge
The concept of time and its measurement has often eluded us, especially in a world where civilizations have crumbled. We currently possess remnants of ancient texts, unearthed from the ruins of once-great cities. Despite the dedicated efforts of leading scholars, deciphering these scripts has proven to be a complex endeavor.
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Section 1.1: The Nahui Ollin Symbol
The Nahui Ollin symbol, featuring an eye (ixtli) at its core, is surrounded by solar rays and precious stones (chalchihuitl), as depicted in the Codex Borbonicus (1519–1521). This symbol is intricately tied to the legend of Quetzalcoatl and his descent to Mictlan (interpreted as the underworld) to gather the bones from a past era, thereby igniting the rebirth of humanity following a catastrophic end. The Nahui Ollin is often seen as a reference to the four previous suns or ages and signifies the emergence of the fifth sun from the remnants of an earlier civilization.
Nahui Ollin encompasses four fundamental concepts: Tloke (the principle of generation), Nahuake (the principle of congregation), Mitl (the principle of displacement), and Ometéotl (the principle of integration). Gabriel S. Estrada interprets Ollin as a representation of cosmic movement, embodying both order and chaos. This profound symbolism has inspired an educational framework that guides learners through processes of reflection, action, reconciliation, and transformation.
However, the challenge lies in our interpretation of the Nahui Ollin symbol, which is a two-dimensional representation of a multidimensional concept. My colleague, Elvia Ramirez, aptly describes these pre-Hispanic symbols as holograms. Just as with the equations from a Feynman lecture, possessing these holograms necessitates a contextual understanding and a decoding framework—essentially, a solid grasp of physics and mathematics.
When a close friend, Giovanni Hernandez Uribe, sought my assistance in understanding physics, I initially considered diving into advanced topics given his solid background in Chemical Engineering. However, I reflected on my own transition from Electrical Engineering to Physics, realizing I needed to revisit foundational concepts to adopt the physicist's mindset. Consequently, I designed a course for him starting from the basics.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Challenge of Dimensionality
Yet, the issue of dimensionality reduction is not the sole hurdle we face. In the scenario of a civilization's collapse, the absence of expert physicists complicates matters. For instance, consider the narrative where a new artifact is discovered alongside well-preserved mummies featuring intriguing symbols inscribed on their skin.
As scholars delved into the newfound symbols, clarity emerged, revealing that the blackboard's symbols spoke of love and the intrinsic connections between souls. This understanding contributed to a significant argument in recent legislation regarding polyamory.
In parallel, the collapse of the civilization during the Spanish conquest of Mexico was marked by three main factors: the high mortality during conflicts, the devastating smallpox epidemic, and the destruction of countless scholarly documents. This raises the question of whether the surviving codices represent a "Feynman lecture" or a lesser work. The oral histories shared by indigenous informants could just as easily relate to profound philosophers as to misguided beliefs.
To reconstruct the true essence of these concepts is a formidable task that necessitates multiple, independent, and reliable sources for validation. As N.N. Taleb points out on Twitter, it’s often necessary to accept that knowledge may be lost, rendering our understanding mere educated guesses. Embracing this epistemological uncertainty allows for the existence of mysteries and valuable questions.
Chapter 2: The Intergenerational Nature of Science
The first video titled "Science as a Creative Endeavor" by Daniel Seara at TEDxGallatin 2014 delves into the essence of scientific inquiry as an artistic and innovative pursuit.
The second video "Science as a Human Endeavor Stage 1" explores the intrinsic human element of scientific exploration and its impact on society.
Throughout history, the journey of science has been undeniably intergenerational. From the ancient astronomical records etched in the Nebra sky disc to the advancements brought forth by the James Webb telescope, we witness a continuous evolution spanning approximately 3,600 years.
In my own academic journey, I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors, each contributing to my growth in unique ways, from Oscar Escolero, PhD co-director, to Pablo Padilla, MSc director, and my life mentors. Their influence has shaped my understanding and appreciation of science.
Using the Academictree tool, I traced my scientific lineage back to Newton and Galileo, the pioneers of modern physics. This lineage underscores the blend of mathematical intuition, rigor, and experimental observation that defines the evolution of scientific thought.
Ultimately, the legacy of science, particularly physics, is a testament to its intergenerational character. From early representations of lunar phases by Cro-Magnon ancestors to contemporary scientific explorations, the journey of knowledge is a shared endeavor that transcends time.
Science, especially physics, embodies a truly intergenerational journey, connecting humanity through the ages.