How do other languages (non-English) express the scientific term 'race?' vs the colloquial?
In taxonomic terms, the word "race" is 90% used as a misnomer in US discourse. This is rooted in "Social Darwinism," or contemporary racist applications of seminal evolution concepts. This colors verbiage across the sciences, especially the social sciences. To wit, the term 'racism' is in fact based on a dehumanizing paradigm.
So, um, how does this shake out elsewhere?
[more inside]
posted by es_de_bah
on Mar 11, 2013 -
9 answers
Did the Catholic Church actively suppress literacy and education during the Middle Ages, or was it simply a byproduct of the era?
[more inside]
posted by zarq
on Oct 4, 2012 -
28 answers
Great non-fiction books for a smart 9 year old search: my kindle owning niece is embarking on summer vacation. I'd like to gift her some good books to fill up her summer days... she reads a huge amount, and I'd really like to encourage this. She's nine but has a roughly 9th grade reading level, so she's definitely capable of handling somewhat advanced books, and she's curious about a wide range of things. Really I'm looking for pretty much anything non-fiction & interesting.
[more inside]
posted by lyra4
on Jun 24, 2012 -
27 answers
What are some things that most scientists once suspected to be true that most scientists today know to be false?
[more inside]
posted by Lownotes
on Jun 9, 2012 -
32 answers
I want to mainline wonder! Recommend me nonfiction books or films (science, nature, history, culture, the human mind) that will make me fall in love with the world we live in.
[more inside]
posted by stuck on an island
on Apr 15, 2012 -
35 answers
I saw
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams and loved it. Now I want to read more about early human history. Please recommend some good books on the beginnings of human art in particular and the emergence of human society and the beginnings of conciousness in general. I'm not a scientist and I'm not looking for a textbook, but I'm not afraid of a challenging read, either.
posted by vibrotronica
on Mar 26, 2012 -
16 answers
I am interested in hearing some historical and educational audiobooks/audiocasts. Anyone have any suggestions?
[more inside]
posted by cloeburner
on Nov 23, 2011 -
13 answers
What element has had the greatest effect on human development, and consequently would have been the greatest hindrance if there hadn't have been any handy deposits of it?
[more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon
on Jan 10, 2011 -
36 answers
Is there a term for travel accounts of explorers, both fictional and real-life? Also, tell me some of your favorites.
[more inside]
posted by actionpact
on Dec 11, 2010 -
22 answers
What are the most fun, memorable, interesting, exciting, and long-lasting learning experiences you have had?
[more inside]
posted by Cygnet
on Nov 20, 2009 -
25 answers
What should I name my new project? (hint: it involves hair and significant historical figures).
[more inside]
posted by Jezztek
on Aug 3, 2009 -
27 answers
In search of an aeronautical/science historian who can explain something to a history major with next to no engineering background. I understand that in 1852 Henri Giffard built an airship with a steam powered engine, but it wasn't until gas engines are more commonly used that zeppelins and other larger, more navigable craft were employed. Is the answer that gas is enough more powerful than steam, that smaller, lighter engines could be used? Was something wrong with his propeller design? Or was there a different path that could have been explored with the materials/technology on hand in the mid-nineteenth century that they didn't notice, that in hindsight is clear? Many thanks - no real reason, just terribly curious.
posted by korej
on Jul 8, 2009 -
20 answers
Did Borges read Schroedinger?
The arithmetical system of Tlön "states that the operation of counting modifies quantities and changes them from indefinites into definites."
The sequence of history makes it possible. Borges's omnivorous reading habits and academic/social prowess help the probability. Yet Schroedinger's initial obscurity in the matter makes it less plausible.
Google has done nothing to answer the vital question: did Borges hear about Schroedinger's cat before he wrote
Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius?
[more inside]
posted by es_de_bah
on Apr 2, 2009 -
12 answers
Soviet science: Besides the obvious topic of space exploration, name some examples of post World War II Soviet science that were so good, they entered global, widespread use without much modification and are perhaps still in use today.
[more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell
on Mar 2, 2009 -
8 answers
How is the
meaning of art and artefacts being altered by the methods we use to:
Experience,
Define and
Preserve them... In other words, in what ways have technologies been used to experience, re-define and/or preserve art and artifacts?
[more inside]
posted by 0bvious
on Feb 5, 2008 -
12 answers
What kinds of high-technology
things exist now but will only come to light 50 or 100 years from now? Speculative, but asking for concrete answers.
[more inside]
posted by exlotuseater
on Nov 30, 2007 -
41 answers
What are the best history of science books for the intelligent layperson? Some examples along these lines include Richard Rhodes' "The Making of the Atomic Bomb", David Bodanis' "E=mc2" and Dava Sobel's "Longitude"; books which mix equally well the explanation of scientific concepts with historical/biographical storytelling, and are not intended for practitioners of the field.
In addition to general suggestions, specific recommendations about the history of probability & statistics and the history of science in the ancient/medieval world would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
posted by lorenzism
on Sep 22, 2007 -
37 answers
Is there a book or website that details early attempts to assemble fossilized bone into animals/dinosaur skeletons?
[more inside]
posted by R. Mutt
on Sep 1, 2006 -
4 answers
What tv shows would you recommend for learning about history and evolution of human society and connections across times and places and disciplines ?
[more inside]
posted by studentguru
on Jun 29, 2006 -
10 answers
A coworker is interested in broadening her general knowledge with an emphasis in History and Science. So, she's looking for a site she can set to be her home page where she can get bite sized chunks of interesting information (like 5 to 15 minutes at a time). Any suggestions?
[more inside]
posted by willnot
on Apr 4, 2006 -
11 answers
I want to make a mix CD based on educational songs that still sound good. Any subject - biology, chemistry, grammar, history, you name it. What songs should I add to my collection?
posted by Newbornstranger
on May 14, 2005 -
45 answers
