ISSUE4 Comments, please!

[procrastinator1357]

In this complicated and information-rich world, many fields of study have witnessed the importance of the knowledge and experience from other areas. While we appreciate the novel insights, technical supports and sometimes in-depth theoretical analysis introduced by outside experts, the contributions of the “insiders” should not be overlooked as well.

The knowledge and experience of other fields need not be brought by outsiders, but could also be introduced by well-rounded insiders. One of the most famous examples involves semi-Riemann geometry and its principal physical application, Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Dedicated to the areas of analysis and geometry all his life, Riemann exposed himself very little to the study of physics. It was Albert Einstein, a revered physicist, who successfully incorporated Riemann’s structure of space into the formulation of general relativity. In fact, most outsiders lack basic knowledge or clear images of the interested field. They might have no idea where and how methodologies and techniques in their own fields could be employed. Therefore, it is more often of the insiders’ intelligence to “borrow” ideas from other fields.

Outsiders usually work collaboratively with insiders to promote knowledge and experiences from their own fields. Since such intellectual endeavor demands good understanding of each field involved, both sides may need the knowledge, guidance and advice from the other side. The outsiders alone may not be competent for the job. For example, computer programs have long been implemented as problem solving tools in many disciplines. In most cases, researchers need to convert theories, hypothesis and laboratory situations into well-defined computer tasks on which programmers can further analyze. Researchers then use their knowledge to judge the results and modify the computer tasks if necessary.

Finally, some significant advancement in certain fields is not attributable to any outsiders at all, for example, Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of earth’s gravitational field, Gauss’s invention of modular arithmetic, etc. Although becoming rare nowadays, a small number of fields of study are still able to develop quite independently from others, e.g. the study of certain obsolete languages and some branches of modern-day mathematics. In reality, outsiders usually find it difficult, if not impossible, even to present ideas of academic interest in these fields, let alone to add up to the existing knowledge by using the experience in their own fields.

To sum up, a field of study can sometimes progress significantly without the knowledge or experiences from other areas of study. If this is the case, the insiders’ long-term research, careful observation and critical reasoning are among the driving forces of such advancement. Admittedly, an increasing number of fields benefit from methodologies and techniques introduced by outsiders today. Insiders, however, may do this alone or seek collaboration with outsiders. It is inaccurate to ascribe all significant advancement in any field of study to outsiders only.

[rajas]

U have a good collection of suitable examples.I think though the topic is bit difficult,u have handled it nicely.

[maple_leaf]

Originally Posted by procrastinator1357

In this complicated and information-rich world, many fields of study have witnessed the importance of the knowledge and experience from other areas. While we appreciate the novel insights, technical supports and sometimes in-depth theoretical analysis introduced by outside experts, the contributions of the “insiders” should not be overlooked as well.

Can you please post the topic of the issue?

[procrastinator1357]

Thank you very much for your comments, rajas.

The topic is below:
"No field of study can advance significantly unless outsiders bring their knowledge and experience to that field of study."

[ruchia]

nicely written with support of good examples. Good luck!

[benfinns]

very neatly written though there are a few minor grammar (or presumably) spelling mistakes. Bet you can find out if you just read again.
your integration of good examples is very impressive imo