Scientific Eponym in Educational Universe

Abstract

Strictly speaking, knowledge for every object in educational Universe is limited by ignorance or, in other words, these two components co-exist. However, pedagogy primarily deals with knowledge, its acquisition and retention. It ignores the ignorance, leaving it as a subject for a more generic science of psychology. Similarly, atomic nuclei in real Universe are a subject for a more generic science of physics, being only slightly studied in chemistry. To research on knowledge is by far easier than on ignorance, same as chemical research involving mere electron shells is easier than physical research targeting atomic nuclei.

Blossoming Legacies: Eight New Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) Species from Los Farallones de Cali National Park Named in Honor of Colombian Women

“…In recent years, extensive debates have unfolded regarding the use of eponyms by taxonomists; some have even gone so far as to suggest that taxonomists should abstain from using eponyms altogether, arguing that they constitute a political act that contradicts principles of equality and representation (Guedes et al, 2023). However, we believe, as many other authors do, that eponyms hold particular significance in regions like the Global South, where their elimination could have adverse effects on scientific endeavors in the very region intended to benefit the most from such proposals (Jost et al, 2023; Pethiyagoda, 2023; Slabin, 2023).…”

Comparing the Effects of Modelling and Analogy on High School Students’ Content Understanding and Transferability: The Case of Atomic Structure

“…These analogies illustrate and visualise the key features of atomic concepts with reference to real-world scenarios (Devecioglu-Kaymakci, 2016), and draw on students' prior knowledge and experience to enable their understanding. Inverse analogies can be productive, too: using atomic structure as the familiar domain, Slabin (2017) applied valence bond and molecular orbital theories to explain formation of educationally valuable chemical eponyms (the unfamiliar domain). As confirmed by Dangur et al (2014), engaging diverse analogies and encouraging connections between scientific concepts and daily life experiences can improve students' understanding of complex concepts (e.g., quantum mechanical concepts).…”

Eponyms in physics: useful tools and cultural heritage

“…For instance, the eponym 'Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductor' means a rather vague designation for a variety of materials [38] that nevertheless have some common features. Such eponyms make scientific texts richer and more human, which is extremely important for education [27,39]. For students, eponyms provide a verbal monument [40] essential to recognizing and respecting our intellectual roots and predecessors.…”