5 Galison uses the metaphor of “critical opalescence” to describe a situation in which fundamental philosophical and scientific ideas are inextricably combined with ongoing technological and practical innovations. Take an example of scientific advances and technological developments of our own time, and consider to what extent, and in what ways, this metaphor might apply.

Does the answer take a side (yes the metaphor is applicable; no it is not)? “Applicable in some ways and not in others” is fine, provided the useful and non-useful ways are clearly identified.

Identifying and describing an interesting and appropriate set of philosophical/scientific ideas and an interesting and appropriate set of technological developments.

If the metaphor is not applicable:

What is difference between the 19th century and our current time that makes this metaphor no longer appropriate.

If the metaphor is applicable:

How does this interaction between techology and ideas work in the current day?

If some of each:

At least one clearly explained example of a way in which tech and ideas are entwined and at least one clearly explained example of a situation in which they are not, including why this is different from the situation that Galison described.