In a previous post, I discussed the involvement of inquiry in science, and how some assumptions are concrete and cannot be questioned. However, I have begun to rethink about this. It seems like almost everything can be questioned, and further experiments and evidence can lead to new and improved ideas as to how something works. For example, today it is universally accepted that the Earth is a sphere. However, this was not always the notion. In fact, in the 1600’s, it was commonly thought that the world was flat. How could it not be? After all, the people at the time based their assumptions on what they saw around them-which was a flat surface! It took a few bold scientists to question these assumptions, and only then did they find that this preconceived notion was completely false. So I suppose inquiry can lead to new enlightenments, and all it takes is the patience to test a theory and carry out experiments to provide evidence for that theory.
Biomedical engineering is a relatively new field, and therefore there are several points at which inquiry can be used to improve the design of medical devices. Engineers are always seeking innovative solutions to real world problems to improve human quality of life. In order to design medical devices, engineers rely on quantitative theory, which is what they learn in classes. Basic subjects, such as circuits, fluid dynamics, and biomechanics, guide the innovative process for engineers. These subjects have theories that are taken for granted after extensive evidence has been found over centuries. Assuming that all these facts are true, engineers can integrate these subjects to design technologies that optimize a certain function. After this, inquiry is what drives the innovative process. Even if a device performs the function it is supposed to, there is always some way to make it better. For example, hip replacements are most commonly made with metal and cross-linked polyethylene. These hip replacements have been successful for patients, but have a high wear rate. Another concern is that metal ions may be released into the blood. Therefore, engineers inquire about what other materials can be used to make these replacements that are compatible with the body and have a high durability. Ceramics are durable, and do not dissociate upon interaction with blood. However, will they prove to be as durable inside the body? This led engineers to test ceramic implants. Once the tests began, engineers had to inquire about the cost effectiveness of ceramic implants, which is a whole other realm for exploration and change. Inquiry is a neverending cycle in engineering: it is only though extensive questioning that ideas are tested and altered to improve the longevity of hip replacements as well as other technologies.
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Payel,
ReplyDeleteI thought this blog was very insightful and interesting. I liked how you applied the idea of inquiry into the scientific world. In class when we discussed inquiry I only saw it in the context of english and writing and questioning opinions of authors and researchers. This blog really clarifies inquiry on a level that I understand much more. You are right, essentially inquiry is questioning theories and looking for answers and then questioning those answers, a neverending cycle, like you said. Most advancements in any field need people to inquire about current methods and look for new and improved ones. This was really helpful to read.
-Amanda U