Fulcrum
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
fulcrum (noun)
ful·crum | \ ˈfu̇l-krəm , ˈfəl- \
plural fulcrums or fulcra\ ˈfu̇l-krə , ˈfəl- \
Definition of fulcrum
1a: PROP
specifically : the support about which a lever turns
// the camera moves on a fixed fulcrum, either horizontally (panning) or vertically (tilting)— Gerald Mast
b: one that supplies capability for action
// he is … the reader's eyes and ears and the fulcrum of his judgment— Bernard De Voto
2: a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support
Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Retrieved March 21, 2021
There are three classes of levers. Central to the function of each is a fulcrum. The fulcrum enables the application of minimal effort or input force to achieve maximal output force or motion against a load or source of resistance.
With the Class 1 Lever, the fulcrum sits in the middle allowing an object or load to be shifted by applying force or effort in the opposite direction of a desired motion. This is exemplified by the mechanical properties of a claw hammer, crowbar, scissors, or seesaw.
In contrast, the load sits in the middle and input force or effort is applied at the end opposite from the fulcrum, in the same direction of desired movement or output force, with the Class 2 Lever. This is exemplified by the wheelbarrow, or suitcase.
Finally, while force or effort is applied in the same direction of desired movement or output force with the Class 3 Lever, the fulcrum lies at the end opposite to the load or resistance. This is exemplified by the human arm, tweezers, tongs and even a broom.
Thus, humans have engineered innumerable objects that are powered by the principles of a lever, allowing mechanical advantage in the manipulation of our surroundings with minimal expenditure of effort.
Concepts and ideas, when properly situated against a load or source of resistance, can act as the fulcrum against which maximal change can be affected with minimum effort. In this issue, scholars, artists, and artisans demonstrate these principles by describing some reality and highlighting the fulcrum (a critical concept or idea) by which leverage can be gained in order to achieve change for the better.
- the Thinking Republic Editorial Team