In terms of number of people directly involved, what would be the largest possible scientific experiment that could be practically devised.
(footnote: this question/thread was prompted while contemplating the logistics of permanently relocating the population of a large city. the thread in general intended to question limitations of human resource organisation.)
Biosphere 1
With a broad definition of “people”, the search for other life forms in the Universe.
Limiting it to this planet, I can’t argue with the SCIENTIFIC response, but if we further limit it to controlled experiments, I’d say emitting large quantities of radioactive material into the atmosphere over a period of years, then stopping the emissions and see what happens.
If we want experiments that were both designed and controlled, I’d have to think about it.
The Rev Dodgson said:
With a broad definition of “people”, the search for other life forms in the Universe.Limiting it to this planet, I can’t argue with the SCIENTIFIC response, but if we further limit it to controlled experiments, I’d say emitting large quantities of radioactive material into the atmosphere over a period of years, then stopping the emissions and see what happens.
If we want experiments that were both designed and controlled, I’d have to think about it.
Well that is a significant start. AND you reminded that I was looking for a designed and controlled experiment. Word power \M/
;)
Some more random thoughts:
A lot of social stuff was not designed as “scientific experiment”, but was designed, controlled, and (to some extent) monitored. Things like providing universal education and health care.
There would probably be some value in looking at these things as gigantic experiments and evaluating the benefits and costs, before we decide the costs are too high and dump them.
The Rev Dodgson said:
Some more random thoughts:A lot of social stuff was not designed as “scientific experiment”, but was designed, controlled, and (to some extent) monitored. Things like providing universal education and health care.
There would probably be some value in looking at these things as gigantic experiments and evaluating the benefits and costs, before we decide the costs are too high and dump them.
very true…….. hmmmm
The still ongoing experiment of placing quite a few million pale skinned Europeans down into a land where dark skin was the norm, and checking what happens with skin cancer rates.
> In terms of number of people directly involved, what would be the largest possible scientific experiment that could be practically devised.
Hmm, on a similar topic, what is the largest possible scientific experiment in a totally contained atmosphere? I’m thinking of an extension of Miller-Urey to 350,000 m^3 or larger to create life in a giant sic test-tube.
For maximum number of people, that would depend on whether the people need to be physically present or could work from home. For number that need to be physically present, 400,000 people worked on the Apollo program so treat that as a lower limit. If people could work from home then the number could be as high as 15 million or so.
Would we need 400,000 people now to work on an Apollo project or would the processes be more streamlined with the advent of technology?
Divine Angel said:
Would we need 400,000 people now to work on an Apollo project or would the processes be more streamlined with the advent of technology?
Just looked that up. 400,000 people. Unbelievable.
I’d imagine that a lot of the engineering would be able to be streamlined if it was attempted now days.
sibeen said:
Divine Angel said:
Would we need 400,000 people now to work on an Apollo project or would the processes be more streamlined with the advent of technology?
Just looked that up. 400,000 people. Unbelievable.
I’d imagine that a lot of the engineering would be able to be streamlined if it was attempted now days.
But we’d need many more consultants and OH&S advisors and safety committees and astronaut committees and launch committees…
LOL
>Just looked that up. 400,000 people. Unbelievable.
They might be including all the schoolkids who assembled cardboard lunar modules from the back of cornflakes packets.
sibeen said:
Divine Angel said:
Would we need 400,000 people now to work on an Apollo project or would the processes be more streamlined with the advent of technology?
Just looked that up. 400,000 people. Unbelievable.
I’d imagine that a lot of the engineering would be able to be streamlined if it was attempted now days.
IKR.. those fn engineers sure milked that gravy train.. get by with three and a work experience kid these days
But we’d need many more consultants and OH&S advisors and safety committees and astronaut committees and launch committees…
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Aint that the truth. My work has spent the better part of the last decade creating policies for every conceivable, and many inconceivable, issues. Recently they released our “Policy policy”…
There would be no theoretical limit.