Quarter No.5

It had been raining for two hours. The heavens were in a generous mood that day. The sewer behind the 'servants' quarters' was overflowing with rainwater...

Freud and Jung and Their Secret Affairs

Of all of Freud’s admirers and critics, the most complex, complicated and troubled relationship was of Carl Jung. He started as an admirer and ended as a critic.

Judah Folkman

History may yet end up remembering Judah Folkman, who passed away earlier this year at Denver International Airport, as the man who cured cancer.

Ultimate Fate of the Universe

Observations of the supernova carried out by two groups in 1999, showed clearly that the universe was not only expanding but undergoing in a wild accelerated expansion.

Rote Learning Vis-à-vis Physical Comprehension

It’s beautiful to design an experiment. It’s equally beautiful to construct a working theory from the empirical information.

Science and the Islamic world --- The quest for rapprochement

With well over a billion Muslims and extensive material resources, why is the Islamic world disengaged from science and the process of creating new knowledge?

One Wall

Hidden in silence
Surrounded by one wall

Carl Friedrich Gauss

It is said that Archimedes knew all the mathematics that was developed up to his time and some more. The same is said of Newton and Carl Gauss.

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth

If religion is to follow the scientific lead, it then becomes falsifiable like science. When a religion becomes falsifiable, it loses its divine base and its God ceases to be as mighty as we conventionally believe It is.

Johannes Kepler – A Mysterious Cosmographist

He lived his life in poverty and misery but he immortalized himself by formulating his three laws of cosmology. He was a humble person who said, “there was nothing I could state that I could not also contradict.”

Teaching Science Badly – and Well

Dogmatism kills science. Students should therefore experience science as a process for extending understanding, not as unalterable truth. Never should the teacher say X or Y is true just because that’s what the textbook says.

Can We Defy Time or Be Contacted from Outer Space?

As social human evolution is progressing at a faster rate, so are our capabilities to decode information. We are getting rather more accurate in our understanding of the universe and unraveling more complicated universal phenomenon while retaining our na

Memento Mori

Thoughtful and intriguing quotes, paintings and pictures on and about death and autopsies, gave the take-home message: live life, and embrace death.

Is “Strings” a Dud Theory?

String theory is criticized by its critics mainly because they claim that it doesn’t make any testable predictions. The few predictions that it does make are the ones which other existing theories had already made. So in their opinion, string theory

Venus, Earth, and Mars - The Untold Story

Some scientists speculate that the three planets, Venus, Earth, and Mars, shared approximately similar geology at the time of their cooling from their molten newly-born states. The evolution of these three planets along different lines from a similar dist

Bio-Science at the Crossroads

If there ever was a time to call science into discipline, it was now. It was widely stated that contrary to the Biblical injunction, man was playing God. Cloning of humans meant that the natural process of insemination and procreation would be made redund

Which Islam?

Although many of us despise the western style secularism, western science and philosophy, western democracy, and modernity, we do not have any reasonable and pragmatic substitutes for them. The result is an intellectual schism.

Religious Conservatism and Science

Those who seriously object and obstruct the stem cell research do so on moral grounds. They know that the embryo from which the cells are obtained is destroyed in the process. Destruction of an embryo is tantamount to killing a human being.

Nature and Natural Disasters

Today, astronomers can predict eclipses with high precision for thousands of years. One day we will be able to do the same for earthquakes. Such an understanding will only come when we stop seeking supernatural explanations for natural phenomenon.

Subramanyan Chandrasekhar - an Astrophysicist Par Excellence

Although Chandra was bitter about Eddington’s treatment, they let “bygones be bygones” eventually. Eddington promoted Chandra’s election to the Royal Society in 1944. According to Eugene Parker, a colleague at University of Chicago

Comprehending Time

We usually have an intuitive perception of time but when we are asked to explain what it is, we find ourselves at a loss to describe it consistently.

The Science Performer

Hooking people, especially children, on to science, is Arvind Gupta’s game. And he has mastered it well. For 25+ years he has been practicing activity-based science teaching.

Global Warming and Hurricanes

Therefore there are not many conclusive and definitive studies of the effects of global warming on hurricanes. However, there is a preponderance of consensus that the global warming

Flying Spaghetti Monsterism

In the mean time, a new theory of intelligent design, which I call intelligent design II, has sprouted. The creator of this theory is Bobby Henderson who is a graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in physics. He propounded this satirical theor

Decline of Science in the Muslim World

They (Muslims) tried to find reasons and rationale for every thing in religious terms. This mode of thinking which some like to call Islamic occasionalism is part of the collective psyche of the orthodox Muslim world and has existed from the very beginnin

Was Muslim Astronomy the Harbinger of Copernicanism?

In as much as the mathematization of the planetary movement was concerned, the Musilm (Arab) contribution cannot be ignored particularly in view of the fact that they developed trigonometry, algebra, and spherical trigonometry, and this knowledge was fund

Fraud and Forgery in Science

Fraud and forgery is rare in the science world but it’s there.

Einstein’s Love Life

In spite of his marriage to Elsa, Einstein sought sexual favors from other women also. In the early 1920s, he fell in love with a friend’s niece. To keep her in Berlin, he hired her as a secretary. Elsa permitted Albert to see his mistress twice a w

Paleoanthropology and Evolution of Humankind

The idea of descent from a common ancestor was given by Charles Darwin in 1850s. This idea was so revolutionary that almost all the scientists who were trying to understand the biological evolution accepted

Age of the Earth and Its Measures

As a footnote, I started this essay with an ayat from the Quran, which enjoined people to study the signs of God. Ironically, it is the non-Muslim world that followed this injunction, studied the signs of nature, and developed the human knowledge to its p

The Utility of Art

What could be the cause of an American’s life of “happy mediocrity”? Why do Americans spend their money on charity and space travel over artwork?

Did Wallace forestall Darwin?

As the historical facts bear out, (Alfred Russel) Wallace did not forestall Darwin in formulating the theory of natural selection but he did rattle Darwin to the extent of enervation, and forced his hand to publish his research immediately. ....

The Call

Was I not in a position to pray? Would I be committing another big sin by responding to the call whilst being intoxicated? I didn’t have the answers. I still don’t. but that’s not reason enough … to not respond.

Intelligent Design versus Natural Selection

Both parties interpret the scientific data from their own vantage point and seek support for their respective positions. But it is only the scientists who collect such data not only to refute the creationists but to do what they normally do, namely, to ad

Promoting Research in Pakistan: A Few Ideas

This article was presented in National Policy Dialogue Series initiated by Virtual Think Tank Pakistan in collaboration with MoST.

Prize and Prejudice

According to Helge Kragh (2), “Until 1922, Einstein had been nominated no fewer than 62 times, and only one of the nominations mentioned the photoelectric effect specifically. The Swedish physicist who wrote the report on Einstein’s theory of

India Through Pakistani Eyes

Is India now set to become a science juggernaut, a leader of the coming 'Asian Century'? A nascent superpower of the East?

What is Islamization of Science?

If science developed by Muslim scientists is to be called Islamic science, sure, it can be created if the Muslim scientists concentrate and produce some original work in scienc. But this sort of symbolization is apocryphal...

Some of My Mentors in Professional Life

When I opened his paper, my heart jumped into my throat and I was overcome by excitement. The point of departure of Henderson’s paper was the same as that of mine (Einstein’s bed load formula)...

The Hazardous Mix: A Peculiar Act and the Perilous Energy

India's Atomic Energy Act 1962 - its intent and the reality

Our Minds Our Existance

If our existance is solely dependent on our ability to use our minds, and be able to reap the benefits or suffer the consequences, then, why is God there, at all?

Dr Abdus Salam - The ’Mystic’ scientist

Dr Salam won the Nobel Prize in Physics 1979 for his research in “Grand unification theory”. This theory was inspired by his spiritual beliefs that all forces emanate from a single source.

Cosmological Fantasies

We are at a stage where we can construct sophisticated mathematical theories and successfully use them for making predictions but are unable to have realistic insights into the physical reality of the predicted events and phenomena. Considered in this ...

Jacques Derrida, Founder of Deconstruction, is Dead

..Make it your last question because it sends deconstruction into paroxysm of rage. Yet the theory of deconstruction was the rage...

Physical Theory and Empirical Verification

As more and more diverse phenomena were related in the threads of mathematical theories, these theories became ever more sophisticated and complex. For this reason, they were getting....

Of Brane New World!

It has been the most cherished dream of man ever since he evolved into homosapien to comprehend the world in which he lived...

Science versus Non-Science

Generally, even a neat and tidy scientific theory bound together with immaculate logic does not get published or if published does not receive acceptability until it is verified by actual observations or laboratory data. Exceptions are there but ..

Abdus Salam - The Miracle Scientist of Pakistan

To some people, Salam’s genius was a kind of mystery. His approach to the problems that he worked on could be illusive and not self-evident...

Tragic Deaths of Three Great Scientists

The great era of Greek mathematical science, which began with the birth of a man, ended with the death of a woman.

What Should be the Top-10 S&T Policy Priorities for Pakistan?

It is critical that we build upon these successes of the past few years to create a more permanent and sustainable foundation of technology-led growth for the future.

Needed: A National Dialogue on Science, Technology, Research and Higher/Basic Education

Prioritizing Science and Technology

This article presents a few ideas about bringing positive changes in science and technology sector of Pakistan.

The Grasshopper

I’m a grasshopper. My jumping legs, mechanical marvels to be sure, are attached to my harness around the waist.

Writing the Encyclopedia of Britannica on the Head of a Pin

Feynman was not only a great scientist, but he was a great seer and a sage also. He could perceive and think of objects which ordinary scientists found hard to imagine.

The Travelogue of an Astronomer

An astronomer’s journey to the volcanic island of La Palma, located off the coast of Morocco.

The Nuclear Father

Under Munir’s dedicated leadership, Pakistan’s nuclear programme developed into a multi-faceted and dynamic center of science and technology, both on the peaceful and deterrence sides.

Limitations of Science

Science does not have answers to all the questions ... Religion may not be true in every thing ... we need other things to have a harmonious life.

Quantum Computer - New Technology for the New Century

The quantum logic is different from the classical logic. The Schrodinger cat can be dead, alive, or dead and alive at the same time........

Quantitative Science in Evolution of Humanity

Through the evolution of natural science how successful we have been and to analyze the possible factors that serve as impediments in the improvement of the human condition.

Is Physical Science Socially Constructed?

Physical science has its own methodology and tests of verification and validation.

Only $5 Million

Despite its low price tag, our national pride satellite Paksat-1 is underutilized; according to reports from the finance ministry, it will continue to face and generate losses for its entire five-year lifespan.

Is Science without Religion really Lame

Science generally inculcates a sense of humility in the scientists who are overwhelmed by the realization how little they know about nature and our universe...

Of faith, Engineering and the Human Visual System

The creator of the human body must have had perfection in mind when he sat down on the drawing board.

Dark Mysteries of Our Mysterious Universe

The dark energy story began in 1998 when astronomers reported that the most distant galaxies seemed to be receding far faster than calculations predicted

Can Science Survive?

It rains because God wills it, And God has created the sun to provide heat and daylight...

India Ascendant: Gravity’s grasp versus poverty’s clasp

On August 15th 2003, Prime Minister Vajpayee announced - “Our country is now ready to fly high in the field of science. I am pleased to announce that India will send her own spacecraft to the moon by 2008. It is being named Chandrayaan I.”

Religion without Science is Blind

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind -- Albert Einstein

Free Thought is Key to Progress

Aazadi-e-afkar sey haiy unn ki tabahi, Rakhtay naheen jo fikr-o-tadabbar ka saleeq
(If a person is forbidden from indulging in free thought, how he can acquire the skills and the right attitude for free thinking)

Conflict of Science with Theocracy

Although all the various governments in the Muslim countries are not constitutionally theocratic in structure, all of them do indeed have constitutional provisions forbidding divergence from the fundamental beliefs based on religious tradition and the Hol

Whatever Happened to Eve?

The epic struggle between an angry Italian and a UFO cult to create the first human clone baby!

Islam in Crisis (part 1)

Once Upon A Time: When The World Spoke Arabic

A survey of the Golden Period of Islamic Civilization, during the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates

Our Master Jallaludin Rumi

A nation of Love has a different religion, God alone is their nation and religion

Uniting Muslims on Eid

Muslims are unable to get together even on the occasion of Eid

Skeptical And Counter-Skeptical Trends In Medieval Islam

There are hundreds of religions in the world, each one of them claiming to be the only true religion

Problems with Universities in Pakistan

Who is the real culprit, the educated class or the mullah?

Intellectual Diversity of Human Thought

Man is a rational animal and is ensnared in his own web.

Looking For Life on Other Worlds

Are ingredients that make up life on Earth common in the universe?

Promises of A Brave New World

A profound question that confronts religious thought in general is whether or not the idea of 'change' may be reconciled with the 'eternal' and 'perennial' truth that religion is expected to convene. And if at all so, then to what extent.

How Not to Reform Universities

By a stroke of some bureaucrat’s pen, the ’University of Malakand’ has now been deemed to exist

The Great Illusion

How pure is our bloodline?

Caste, Technology and Religious Conversions in India

the segregation of human ability and skill from one’s social status has perpetuated an imbalanced perspective about how economic processes work

The Cling Effect

there is a persistence of the non-rational in the human belief system

End of Physics

The Theory of Everything, if you dare to be bold

Is IT the Panacea?

most high-end technologists in areas such as computer science will leave for better opportunities in the West

India Unvarnished

An unemotional examination of some of the main questions about India’s history

Cracking the Code of Life

Having knowledge of our biological essence has its dark side

Should Pakistan start a Virtual University?

India, China and Malaysia have made considerable progress in providing university level course through the Net

Life on Earth: Chance or Deliberate. A Reply

The fact that we have survived in our universe does not mean that we are the sole purpose of the universe.

Life on Earth: Chance or Deliberate

...atheist scientists who believed that everything in this universe was a mere coincidence

Dear Chowk Readers

A call for action from Pervez Hoodbhoy to the Chowk community for Science education in Pakistan

Obituary: Munir Ahmad Khan

Pakistan’s historians are unlikely to be kind to Munir Ahmad Khan, the former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, who died in Vienna in April 1999

Bombs, Missiles and Pakistani Science

The Chaghi tests, and more recent Ghauri-II and Shaheen-I missile launches, have been deemed heroic symbols of high scientific achievement... Are they?

The Origin of Life

A thought provoking enquiry

An Evolving Conversation

A One-Act Play on the topic of biological evolution

Dissection of Evolution Theory

The author argues that pure reason is fallible and bounded

Job Churn

Are engineers being traded like commodities?

The Environmental Impact of a Nuclear Explosion

What happens after a nuclear detonation?

Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder

Is science a superior form of knowledge?

Is Science a Religion?

A case can be made that faith is one of the world’s great evils.

Evolution 101

Darwin and Islam

The Incoherence of the Man-made Man

Does ’Man Make Himself’?

Is Islam Undemocratic?

Reconciling modernity and tradition.

Infinite in All Directions

An introduction to the art of Elementary Particle Physics.

A Conversation with Dr. Ali Hussain Rajput

How a mischievous little boy from Chukk Number 30, District Sanghar, made it to the top echelon of Neurological Sciences.

The Impossible Fundamentalism of Doubt

What has been lost in the furor over the Fatwa, however, is the immorality of Rushdie’s gospel of doubt.

The Confusion and the Foggy View

This process of humility is not just an individual phenomenon, but also a collective one. As we continue to learn, we increasingly realize that we know less about the universe and ourselves than we previously imagined.

Where in the Brain is the Mind

The author, who has a background in neuroscience, tries to grapplewith the question of what makes us aware of our own existence.

Abdus Salam

Salam’s proposal met with great resistance, with one delegate from a developed nation saying, ’Theoretical physics is the Rolls-Royce of sciences - the developing countries need only bullock carts.

Salam, Science and Secularism

...I have chosen to talk not about Salam’s brilliant successes but, instead, his most spectacular failure ...

Remembering Abdus Salam

...Pakistani children should grow up reading story books about a hero named Abdus Salam...

Science and Religion

It is generally believed that science is anti-religion and that science and religion battle against each other for the minds of men. Is this correct?

Tribute to Abdus Salam

To him Evil flourished through ignorance, and was to be fought to the bitter end by knowledge.

Fifty years of Science in Pakistan in Socio-Economic Contex

Transcript of the speech delivered on August 5, 1997 at the International Nathiagali Summer College.

Professor Abdus Salam

A recollection of Salam’s accomplishments.

Why didn’t the Scientific Revolution happen in Islam?  

Every great civilization writes its own history, selectively extracts data from the past, and then proves to its satisfaction that its greatness has no peer or rival.

Teaching and Popularizing Science

Striking demonstrations that destroy deeply entrenched ideas are essential -- it is through them that minds open and newer pathways of understanding develop.

The Science of Moon Sighting

Many of us have taken Sister Moon to be our guide, especially in matters religious, but few of us know where its leading us. First of a series on moon sighting and some common misconceptions.