SUMMARY
The history of civilization demonstrates how to choose between making the right and wrong use of scientific discoveries. Amazing discoveries have been made and applied to practical purposes in a very short period of time. More scientific discoveries have been made in our time than in any other period of history. They have brought about so many changes in such a short period of time that it has resembled a revolution. As a result, people claim to be living in a revolutionary era.
In fact, science has been a great boon to humanity. Science has provided many benefits to humanity and improved people's lives. It has aided in the fight against malnutrition, hunger, and disease. It has increased both the length and the quality of life. Millions of people now have access to fields of knowledge, experience, and recreation. Now we must accept that science has done and continues to do a great deal for the welfare of our race.
However, modern science's gifts can be abused. The motorized vehicle simplifies business and provides many people with harmless entertainment. However, it has the potential to kill a large number of people. Similarly, the cinema is a source of instruction and entertainment, but it is also a conduit for vulgarity and false values. The wireless (radio) can bring the world together in real-time, but it can also be used to spread propaganda. Similarly, the airplane facilitates travel but can also be used as a weapon of destruction.
The question now is how far it is morally justifiable to make perfect discoveries and inventions that can be used for destructive purposes. In other words, scientists must consider whether it is morally acceptable to create things that can cause harm as well as good. Professor Hill posed this question. 'If we believe it is wrong to achieve something good by first doing evil, isn't it also wrong to achieve something good through a method that we know could later be used to cause evil?'
In relation to this question, he discusses two issues. The first came from the advancement of nuclear physics. If used correctly, it has the greatest value to humanity. However, the primary goal of this science's development at the moment is to create weapons with massive destructive power, such as atomic and hydrogen bombs. Is it therefore appropriate to continue research on it? The other issue stems from science's success in curing disease and extending life. By reducing hunger and disease, science has increased birth rates and life expectancy. However, global food supplies are not increasing at the same rate. The world is divided into two groups in this case: "Haves" and "Have-nots."
The struggle for food will result in a situation in which the rich and privileged will be able to obtain enough while the poor and powerless will be unable to. People will fight wars to obtain food resources. In order to produce more food, the land will be overworked, causing erosion and turning the soil into dust. So, is it right to continue improving global health and lowering mortality if it is obvious that doing so will result in future famine and disorder? These kinds of questions are a great test for thoughtful men.
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
Q1) What does the history of civilization shows?
Ans: The history of civilization demonstrates how to choose between making the right and wrong use of scientific discoveries. Man must always choose between the correct and incorrect application of science. Man has either used or abused scientific inventions and discoveries. It demonstrates that, regardless of how man employs scientific inventions and discoveries, there is a significant impact on life because science has advanced so rapidly in the modern era. More scientific discoveries have been made in our time than in any other period of history. They have brought about so many changes in such a short period of time that it has resembled a revolution. As a result, people claim to be living in a revolutionary era.
Q2) How may the pursuit of knowledge be protected from being harmful?
Ans: Knowledge alone cannot be that helpful. There have been numerous negative consequences of knowledge due to a lack of wisdom. As a result, knowledge should be combined with wisdom. It can assist any specialist in understanding the negative consequences of his or her accomplishments outside of his or her field. Wisdom teaching can keep the pursuit of knowledge from being harmful. Because of the breadth and complexity of the specialized knowledge required of various types of technicians, it has become more difficult than it used to be.
Q3) Why do people fail to make use of science?
Ans: There are many reasons why people fail to make use of science. One reason is that scientists can be complex and jargon-filled. Another reason is that science is often complex and difficult to understand, making it difficult for people to grasp what it can do for them. Additionally, scientists often have to be confident in their own theories in order to share them with others, which can be difficult for some people. Finally, many people do not feel that science is relevant to their lives, which can also prevent them from taking advantage of its benefits.
