Science in YN

[Estado Novo Portugues]

Sexta feria, XII Octobris, Anno Domini MMXVIII

Greetings, my brothers in Christ.

I am interested to know how different nations approach science. Is science considered an important subject, or is it not a priority? Are science classes mandatory in school, and which ones (chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy) to be exact? What are the attitudes of the major religions towards science? And how do you deal with conflicts between religious teaching and scientific theories?

In the Catholic State of Portugal, science education is somewhat low on the agenda. We believe that teaching citizens to be faithful Christians and productive members of society is more important. Unless wanting to enter the medical profession, science classes are not mandatory past the primary school level. The majority of Portuguese school children only receive basic instruction in the natural sciences: plants, animals, weather, the Earth and phases of matter. Most will never learn the more advanced ideas such as chemical reactions or cell division, because that knowledge is not necessary here.

The state religion of Portugal is Catholic Christianity, and that has a large influence on how science is taught. Unless it is undeniably proven to be true, a scientific theory may not deny or challenge biblical events like Genesis. To ensure compatibility with Catholic teachings, every book about a restricted subject – in this case, astronomy and evolution – must receive approval from the Ministry of Religion and Culture before it can be published in the Catholic State. For example, maps of the Solar System must place the Earth in the centre like this one:

If you are not sure a book is approved or not, simply check the back cover. Books approved by the Ministry of Religion and Culture will have a Número de Controle (control number) in addition to or instead of the ISBN. This number is stored in a database to allow authorities to quickly check if a book is legal or not. There are serious penalties for publishing an unapproved book, especially if the contents are judged to be heretical or blasphemous.


Blessed day to all,

Afonso Salazar
Lord Protector of the Catholic State

[TRICELL Incorporated]

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[Victorious Decepticons]

Certain aspects of the sciences are very important in Victorious Decepticons. We'll all be walking around stiff-armed and going "beep boop" if it wasn't for our extreme scientific advancement in the relevant areas!

Where We Shine

Physics and Engineering are considered the highest of the sciences, for this branch brings about the advancements in both processing technology and physical engineering that allow us to exist in our proper states. A Decepticon mind is often thought of as a miracle of coding, but it is also the result of our excellent advances in processors, computer memory, and power provision technology. Without the hardware, there is nothing for the software to run on.

Meanwhile, the Decepticon body is tangible proof of our excellence in mechanical engineering. It doesn't just function, but can transform, and most alt-modes can also fly. This alone requires an intersection of not only mechanical engineering, but aerodynamic engineering as well. On top of all of this, a Decepticon body must be able to withstand the rigors of war. For much of it, we can go ahead and just build it bigger and make the armor thicker, but that doesn't work for everything. The shock absorption system that keeps our mind hardware from being shaken apart if we get knocked down is especially impressive. With this system, our boards are placed inside of a "cage" that absorbs all physical shocks, and everything is connected with enough extra wiring to allow for plenty of internal movement.

How to build a Decepticon body is included in the Standard Educational Data Pack (SEDP), which is installed into every new Decepticon just prior to his first full activation. This makes it so everyone knows how to do it right from the equivalent of birth.

One of the very few "legitimate jobs" that is not seen as being for failures is Physicist. Those with the most education in the field are eligible to apply for one of the coveted positions at the Bureau of Impossible Physics, our national scientific bureau.

Software Engineering, or as we refer to it, simply "Coding," is another aspect of science that is key here. As one might expect, considering it is necessary for our survival as a species, mastery of writing Code Intended to be Sapient is mandatory. Enough education on this is in the SEDP to ensure that everyone with the Pack can code a viable offspring. Combined with the knowledge of how to build a body, this means that any single Decepticon with the needed materials and tools can, if necessary, rebuild the entire race.

Advanced education in Coding is one of the requirements needed to get one of the other of the few legitimate jobs here: Debugger. Debuggers are tasked with finding and fixing glitches in people mind-code. This job is universes apart from the guess-ridden, touchy-feely fields of psychology and psychiatry. A Debugger literally looks at the Code of a "patient," and if there are glitches, he applies a patch that fixes them. It is a well-perfected, hard science.

Debuggers can also make custom patches to add or remove functionality that is not considered glitched. Some of our current standard practices started out as popular "optional" patches. One of the most notable of these is the Navigation Module, which is a dedicated processor + code that does nothing but handle the calculations required to move one's body while in the air. It would take a human 10 years of constant stunt-pilot practice to match what this module does for us right out of the gate.

How to Fix One's Own Body - Every body comes with a full repair manual, complete with all schematics, unless its owner built it himself. The SEDP contains the education required to understand such manuals.

Astronomy - We are not only a space-faring empire; we need to obtain resources from other planets on an ongoing basis. Of course, we make sure that there is a full bank of current interstellar maps in every SEDP, and government explorers are constantly updating them. It would be dreadfully inefficient, perhaps to the point that our species would be jeopardized, if nobody knew where they were going in space.

That said, our astronomical maps only tell you where stars, planets, and major asteroids are. If you want to know whether a place is worth going to, you need a Raid List. These lists tell what resources various planets have, and just as importantly, what defenses you might run into when you go there to raid said resources. There are several producers of these lists, all of varying levels of reliability.

In order to update a Raid List, the producer sends explorers to the planets it lists. This makes it so that such publishers are often at the forefront of the class of astronomical discoveries that can be made by direct observation.

Petroleum Discovery and Recovery

Since what we raid is usually OIL, we have extreme advancement in the areas of discovering it and getting it. In the same vein, we also are tops in refining it. We can drain a huge oil field, such as the one in Saudi Arabia, in a matter of months. We're also known for being able to get oil from places thought to be "played out" by a planet's normal inhabitants. Such inhabitants typically just aren't able to drill down as far as we can, so we can reach what they cannot.

We're also great at underhanded ways of getting to oil, such as horizontal drilling. Buying "worthless desert land" next to a well-guarded oil field, and then sucking that field dry with horizontal drilling, is a fairly common tactic on worlds that have too strong of a military defense for a straight-up "land on your head from space" sort of oil raid.

Counterfeiting - If you can make it and we can get ahold of an instance of the original, almost any of us can copy it. Counterfeiting is a matter of reducing an item to a series of calculations, making a subroutine based off of those calculations, and running it. The ability to do this is simply a natural capability of the Decepticon coding system.

A master counterfeiter is able to make a working copy WITHOUT getting his hands on an instance of the original. This level of skill requires advanced knowledge of physics, as well as knowledge of whatever subjects are relevant to the production of an Original of the item in question. With that, he can figure out what it'll take to make a working replica.

Most foreigners think of counterfeiting as a skill that only applies to fraud-related things. While we do plenty of that type, we find that at the State level, it is more useful to copy things like advanced enemy weaponry, travel technology, and other practical things. Unlike most governments, however, we do not typically give this task to general engineers, but to dedicated master counterfeiters - many of whom usually deal openly with the general public rather than being ongoing government employees.

Where We're Behind

Decepticons can figure out pretty much any sort of science that we're interested in - but if we're not interested, we can ignore a field quite well.

Biology - Most of us have no idea how a biological works, and don't care. The SEDP gives this subject all of a couple of paragraphs, and those who want to know more have to buy Advanced Educational Data Packs in the subject. AEDPs in the biological sciences are some of the least-sold, and the only Institute that makes Packs worth buying requires government subsidies. The government only subsidizes it in order to be able to bring up scientists for the Bureau of Biological Research. There is only a Bureau of this sort due to the need to make our biological slaves have a higher work capacity, keep them from crashing so much (or so fast), or get them to be more obedient. Any other benefits of the Biological Research Division are bonuses.

Evolution vs. Creation - This just isn't a real issue here. It is assumed that of course, there is a Coder of the Biologicals, just like there was a Coder of the First Decepticon. However, unlike biologicals, we don't think too well of this Coder's engineering (or coding) skills. Biologicals are crash-prone, yet they have closed systems that make it almost impossible to fix them, and their Code is a mess! Some say that this points to evolution being correct, and the SEDP points this out. However, it is still generally believed that "where there is code, there is a coder."

Notably, we are not ooh-wowed by the idea of there being a Coder of Biologicals, and claims that he is a GOD fall on deaf ears. We believe that our Coders and engineers are far better than this guy! OUR designs don't become impossible to fix after X amount of time and then die! What even is that!? It's not like he's getting paid for people to get the new version or something.

Surgical Medicine- Due to their weird closed-system design, biologicals are almost impossible for us to fix. They always crash more when we open them up. Some tell us about things like "bio-compatibility," and "sterilization," and "shock." A handful of us might know what this stuff is all about. The rest of us will just throw a physically-glitched biological into a rendering machine (instantly turning it into fertilizer cakes), and get another one from the Slave Market.

Notably, we can engineer great replacement parts for biologicals. That's engineering, which we excel at. To us, it's simple to look at the specs for a limb, organ, or even nerve fiber and make something that the Design Spec says should do the same job and integrate with the rest of the control system.

It's getting those parts connected up that's the hard part - that's surgical medicine. Biologicals are best off if they buy our replacement parts, but then have their own surgeons install them.

[A m e n r i a]

Is science considered an important subject, or is it not a priority? Are science classes mandatory in school, and which ones (chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy) to be exact?

Science is considered quite important. Junior high school students are required to take chemistry, physics and biology (astronomy is included in physics). Once they enter senior high school, they have the option to major in science, social studies, or arts. Should they opt for the former, they will be required to study the aforemention subjects more.

And how do you deal with conflicts between religious teaching and scientific theories?

Since Sunni Islam, the state religion of the Empire of Amenria encourages critical thinking and scientific advancements, there is hardly ever conflict between religion and science. In the event a "scientific" theory contradicts the Quran, it's dismissed because it can't possibly be true, considering that the Quran is 100% factual.

[Wuriya]

75% of Wuriyan peoples is interested on Astronomy and Astro-Science.

[Omega State]

The Omega Federation has priority in science, and the state is secular but we do not leave religion aside. We work through the thoughts of science and religion, together,to bring benefits to the population. Here 60% of the population declares themselves atheist, 10% agnostic and the remaining 30% believe in some deity.

[Workers SFSR]

Is science considered an important subject, or is it not a priority?
It is a top priority.

Are science classes mandatory in school, and which ones (chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy) to be exact?
Mathematics and basic chemistry, physics and biology are mandatory (at least enough to know a proton from a photon). The curriculum is overall flexible, and students can choose from many classes. Students who plan on becoming scientists can choose more rigorous and advanced science classes and even visit science facilities to acquaint themselves with their future profession, as part of the school program.

What are the attitudes of the major religions towards science?
The Soviet Republic is a state-atheist country, religious believers are few and their opinions on science are considered fully irrelevant.

And how do you deal with conflicts between religious teaching and scientific theories?
Anti-scientific religious beliefs are strongly educated against. They're considered reactionary and hopelessly outdated. Anyone seriously advocating that schools should be teaching creationism and geocentrism or something like that, risks a trip to a re-education camp.

[Tchud]

Is science considered an important subject, or is it not a priority?
It's not a priority for most people, or for the state budget

Are science classes mandatory in school, and which ones (chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy) to be exact?
Schools don't have a mandatory curriculum here, and school attendance isn't compulsory in any case


What are the attitudes of the major religions towards science?
Varying degrees of hostile, depending on the exact nature of the science in question


And how do you deal with conflicts between religious teaching and scientific theories?
The Temple of Tchud has extensive political power and its own militias; in the event of a conflict there's only one winner

[Great Nortend]

Generally, science as a subject is not taught in Nortan schools, where the main academic subjects are English, Latin, Mathematics, History, Scripture and Geography, with French replacing Latin for girls. Science for the sake of science of itself is not considered a particularly important subject for children. Science is taught at university as part of the (compulsory) Master of Arts degree which is a prerequisite for all other higher degrees. It is also a focus of study for the Bachelor of Divinity, the senior graduate degree in the Faculty of Divinity.

The established church, the Church of Nortend, does not see science as a threat or negative influence, but rather a way of discovering the divine underpinnings of the world. This is highlighted by the general requirement that all ordinands hold a BD degree before ordination. There is a great focus in the study of science that it is a way of understanding the world that should be tempered by faith and reason, and that blind adherence to science is foolhardy and can be calamitous. There is no perceived conflict between scientific discoveries such as heliocentrism and the faith.

[Subhurbia]

In Suhurbia, alchemy, engineering, and metaphysics are the top branches of science. Usually very high science (ie magic basically) is often performed by religious priests, followers, and the top government officials of society.

[Vanadrene]

In the New Socialist Republic of Vanadrene, science and the scientific method are widely popularized and taken up by all members of society who have the ability to do so. Our guiding method and approach--that of communism, especially as it has been advanced in this stage of history with the New Synthesis--is the most thoroughly scientific method and approach known to humanity, and represents a revolution in human thought.

In all schools (which are state-run, as religious or private schools have been outlawed) science and critical thinking are given far more weight than prior to the revolution. The dark shrouds of ignorance once fostered by the old order, "men of god" among them, have been thoroughly cast off. Even while the Communist Party seeks to learn from those with divergent points of view, and even fosters dissent in various spheres, we do not compromise the truth. We teach evolution because it is fact. We teach atheism because it is fact. We dispel myths like creation and god belief because these are harmful untruths that can do no good for the masses of people.

[Silver Commonwealth]

Military science, and space research is dominant in SC. Science branches, that are deemed as ''useless'' usually don't receive any money from the state.

[Laredo-]

Science is mandatory as part of the school curriculum. While the vast majority of religions are banned in Laredo, students are encouraged to always question scientific theories that have yet to be proven. So long as they do not question science from a position of philosophy or theistic belief, but rather from simple skepticism due to lack of evidence.

Outside of school, science is mostly used for the benefit of the nation. Often in the form of advancing our nuclear weapons program or developing underground shelters capable of operating indefinately. As a result, Laredo lacks many of the latest electronics (often about six years behind) from both our isolationism and devotion of technological development to military purposes.

[Zeonk]

Is science considered an important subject, or is it not a priority?
ZEON SCIENCE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Ahem.
But yeah science is considered highly important in Zeon, especially anything that can support the military or mobile suits (robotics is extremely popular due to that).

Are science classes mandatory in school, and which ones (chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy) to be exact?
Curriculums are fairly flexible, at the very least mathematics and the basics of most sciences are mandatory (chemistry, physics etc). Astronomy and sciences related to space are naturally considered important and parts of basic physics knowledge is mostly around how low and zero gravity affect things (as it's important in a colony environment). Students can and often do opt for more challenging fields (as mentioned above robotics related ones are popular in addition to rocketry related fields).

What are the attitudes of the major religions towards science?
Neutral at worst, it is the far future of the Universal Century after all.

And how do you deal with conflicts between religious teaching and scientific theories?
If there were any the government would step in in favor of science.

[The Great Imperator Jeffrey]

Is science considered an important subject?
Science is one of our top priorities other than war. We need to create researchers who will discover more ways to destroy our enemies out of our children. Science is a mandatory subject in school with emphasis on physics, biology, and chemistry. Other, more specialized sciences can be learned at universities.
What are the attitudes of major religions towards science?
Only the worship of our leader the God-Imperator Jeffrey is permitted. All other religious affiliations, including atheism, are banned. Whatever the God-Imperator says is true, and he says science is true. Therefore, science must be true.

[Mieraskya]

In Mieraskya Since is thought all thought the individuals educatonsl career. Most sinetific reasherches are fully funded by the government medical since is viewed as the most important

[Yohannes]

The Nineteen Countries has had a Realm-wide school science curriculum since the nineteenth century. For much of the first half of this period, the teaching content was still dominated by the Christianity-influenced evolutionary doctrine, i.e. science particularly influenced by creationist thinking. Focus on evolution (and modern) science started to overcome creationist-influenced evolutionary doctrine in the 1870s, and by the turn of the twentieth century, evolution has replaced previous emphasis placed on creationism.

The Realm Certificate of Educational Achievement — the official multiple-subjects assessment and curriculum for secondary students (i.e. college and grammar school) in Yohannes the continent that was fully introduced by the turn of this century — further emphasises the understanding of evolutionary science. It also emphasises the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education (for instance, the Higher Education Amendment Bill 2017, which proposes for free first and second year study for STEM tertiary students), much to the detriment of other traditional subjects such as religious studies and the creative arts.

[Greater Satanic Leviathan]

Science is a gift from the powers of Hell, whereas the God of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims tries to deny humans any knowledge of the truth, for He tried to prohibit Adam and Eve from eating the Fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. As devout Satanists, we find scientific research and education, especially in the fields of biology.

Our strengths are in Evolutionary Biology, which is part of the new mandatory public education system, Biotechnology especially messing with the sanctity of life via cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, fetus/embryo research. We also excel in Biochemistry, which we use to invent new ways to get high, new ways to prevent or end pregnancy, and new ways to prevent or treat venereal infections. Of course we make full use of the military applications for these fields such as chemical weapons and bioterrorism.

And we are not too shabby at physics and inorganic chemistry either:)

[Lamoni]

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You have the ability to bookmark topics, so there is no need for tag spam. Look at the bottom of the thread, and there is a link to bookmark topics, just so you know where to find it.

[Estado Novo Portugues]

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[The Occident]

Science is incredibly important in the Union. The depth of scientific importance is such that, if a proposed piece of legislation contradicts established science, it is unlikely to pass the Directorate and become a law. The Constitution even forbids using certain types of methodology in science. For instance, Article 105 expressly forbids psychological evaluations "without good empirical bases." This effectively makes polygraph exams, LGBT+ conversion therapy and "religious camps" illegal, as these methods have repeatedly been seen by the courts as pseudoscientific. Homeopathy and Naturopathy are somewhat controversial, though all 58 provinces have either expressly or implicitly forbidden both as being "methodologies without good empirical bases."

[Xmara]

Science is considered extremely important; innovations are why Xmara is able to survive in an inhospitable region like Antarctica. The current administration has massively increased funding for the space program and science education. The space program is currently working on sending humans to Mars (goal should be achieved within the next ten years or less).

[Blodrike]

Academics are not considered that important, including science. Blodrike is a nation where most people are hunter-gatherers or industrial workers, and individuals with degrees are a very small minority (engineers and scientists). In fact, not everyone can even read and write – the literacy rate is 70 %.

Religion does not have an influence on science (Christianity and other Abrahamic religions are banned). We consider science unimportant for practical reasons, not religious ones.

[Coconut Palm Island]

Science is a big deal here, and scientific education and innovation is a large part of what makes us so much more successful than most other tropical islands.

Grade school students learn basic scientific concepts, studying beginner-level biology, chemistry, and physics. Once in high school, students have more freedom, but they must take at least two science courses at some point in their studies, one of which must be health/social sciences (anatomy, psychology, etc). While we are a Christian nation, we teach that evolution and creationism don't conflict with one another, and that the Bible doesn't conflict with evolution.

Students going into other fields only scratch the surface, but future scientists get the best high school and college educations possible. Students frequently conduct experiments so that they can visually observe concepts. The government loosely plans the curriculum, but teachers can usually make modifications, as long as they still teach the students everything they need to know.

[Estado Novo Portugues]

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