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Name: Lương Chí Hiếu - 23040037

Exercise 4:
2. Schwarz, based on his research with 60 cats in Germany, believes felines hold the title
of "man's best friend. However, Santana et al.'s study of 82 dogs in Mexico argues that
canines are the true best friends. While both studies present compelling arguments, the
"best friend" title depends on individual preferences.

3. Berlusconi and Mafiosovic argue that voters will overlook corruption and immorality
in politicians as long as the tax rate is kept low. Sensato, on the other hand, contends that
a low tax rate does not guarantee that voters will turn a blind eye to criminality in the
government. It could be inferred from these contrasting views that while fiscal policy
may influence public opinion to some extent, it does not necessarily overshadow ethical
considerations in governance. Therefore, a balanced approach that promotes both fiscal
responsibility and ethical governance could be the most effective strategy.

4. Wordsworth asserts that English is the best equipped to be the language of science.
This view is countered by Zapata, who believes that Esperanto is much better equipped.
From my perspective, while English currently dominates the scientific community due to
its widespread use, Esperanto’s simplicity and ease of learning could make it an attractive
alternative.

5. Ferman and Lotus argue that speed limits on motorways and autobahns in Europe
actually increase the number of accidents. This is contrasted by Zhang’s view, based on
analogous studies in China, that the optimum speed limit should be 180 km/h. In my
perspective, while speed limits are crucial for safety, their effectiveness may vary
depending on the specific conditions and driving culture of each region.

6. Igno and Ramus propose that education spending should be cut on “non-productive”
areas of research such as philosophy. This is starkly contrasted by the views of
Conphusion and Zokrate, who argue that philosophy has been the keystone to civilization
in the east and west for thousands of years. From my perspective, while it’s important to
prioritize funding towards areas that yield immediate tangible benefits, it’s equally
crucial to invest in philosophical studies that foster critical thinking and broaden our
understanding of the world.

7. Example answer for 5: Many doctors assert that there is absolutely no proof that
homeopathy works from a medical point of view. This is countered by Deek and Hehd,
who argue that homeopathy works for both humans and animals. From my perspective,
while the scientific community largely remains skeptical about homeopathy due to a lack
of empirical evidence, the anecdotal success stories cannot be completely dismissed.
8. Example answer for 5: Harris and Goldenmein advocate for peer review by experts in
the field as the best method of judging the suitability of papers for publication. This is
contrasted by Siedelson, who proposes that peer review by third-year Ph.D. students who
are not experts in this specific field (but are experts in a related field) is the best method.
From my perspective, both approaches have their merits. Expert reviewers bring a depth
of knowledge and experience, but may be entrenched in their views. On the other hand,
Ph.D. students from related fields can bring fresh perspectives and may be more open to
innovative ideas.

Exercise 5:

1. Chang & Li (2013) Chang & Li’s assertion that the first telephone was invented
in China in 1845 is substantiated by the discovery of prototype telephones dated
between 1845 and 1851 in Beijing museums, which predated Bell’s invention.
2. Carmen (2012) In the study (2012), Carmen found that vaccinations could be
administered through milk, not just through traditional injections. This finding
concurs with the results of my findings, where 34 patients showed no difference in
outcome whether they drank the vaccine along with milk or received injections.
3. Guyot (1969) Guyot expressed pessimism about the American moon landing in
1969, which coincided with my research on Apollo rocket engines. Investigations
on the engines of Apollo rockets have revealed that these engines are incapable of
maintaining a journey more than 3 kilometers above the ground.

Exercise 6:

1. Solid A Transformation

Picture a world where the seemingly immutable properties of Solid A are


dramatically altered. Known for its hardness and brittleness in a cold state, Solid A
undergoes a remarkable transformation when subjected to intense heat. At a
scorching 1,200 °C, it sheds its rigid persona and becomes soft and malleable. This
unexpected metamorphosis, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, could spark
a revolution in industries where material flexibility is paramount. The potential
applications are vast, from construction to product design, offering exciting
possibilities for innovation.

2. Solar Panel Efficiency

Imagine a revelation that shakes the very foundations of our understanding of


renewable energy. Solar panels, long heralded as the champions of green energy,
have a hidden truth. Our research indicates that they take a staggering 15 years to
become cost-effective, defying the optimistic 10-year estimate by Sun and Chang
[2013]. This finding is akin to discovering a chink in the armor of a knight in
shining armor. It raises serious questions about the true environmental impact of
solar energy production, calling for a comprehensive re-evaluation of its economic
viability and sustainability.

3. Ancient Colonization

Journey back in time to 8,000 BPE, a period shrouded in mystery and ripe for
exploration. Our analysis of artifacts from the British Museum has unearthed a
startling revelation. The British Isles, long thought to have been isolated during
this period, were actually colonized by the Chinese. This discovery, supported by
striking linguistic parallels between Celtic and Chinese languages, is like finding a
missing piece in a historical jigsaw puzzle. It reshapes our understanding of early
human migration and cultural exchange, offering a fresh perspective on our shared
ancestral narrative.

4. Toy Impact on Development

Step into a child’s playroom, a seemingly innocent setting that holds profound
implications for cognitive development. Our extensive brain scans of over 10,000
boys and girls aged between 5 and 8 have revealed a surprising truth. Playing with
Barbie dolls, often dismissed as mere child’s play, actually stimulates greater brain
activity than playing with Lego blocks. This insight challenges traditional gender
norms associated with toys and their impact on cognitive development. It invites
us to rethink our preconceptions and consider a more balanced approach to
children’s playtime, potentially enhancing their intellectual growth.

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