Merits and Demerits of Science
As we turn over
the pages of history, we come across the development made by man in
different walks of life over the centuries. From the primitive Stone Age
to the modern computerized era, every step of man has proved to be the
milestone in the history of civilization. Modern science has evolved
over a long period, and has now reached the peak of success. It has
worked wonders in our life, but it cannot be said that it is altogether a
blessing. When we look at the other side of the picture, we are filled
with a sense of horror. The fear of war and destruction hangs over our
heads all the time. In order to understand the creative and destructive
aspects of modern science, we stand in need of an analysis that will
help us differentiate between the good and the bad.
As we look over the brighter side of the achievements of science, we
come to realize that there is hardly any sphere of life that has not
been enhanced by the creative abilities of man. In the field of medical
science, knowledge and research has gone to such an extent that almost
all the ailments have found a cure. The threatening clouds of death no
longer haunt the patients who were otherwise filled with despair.
Epidemics have been wiped out, nutritional standards have been improved,
drug therapy has been recognized and hygienic conditions are being
created so that the new generation may enjoy a longer and better life.
In the realm of communication, modern scientific inventions have
helped a lot. The far-flung corners of the world have been linked
together with a wide spread air network. Distances have lost their
meaning and thousands of miles can be covered within hours. Travelling
today is not only swift, but also full of pleasure and luxury.
Modern science has opened new vistas of entertainment. All the new
electronic gadgets have filled our lives with recreational variety. From
the small pocket sized transistor to the big screen television and VCR,
we are provided entertainment at home and we owe it all to science.
Readers are provided illustrated, colourful books due to the blessing of
modern science in the form of latest printing machines and techniques.
Such means of entertainment have brought about a change in our habits
and hobbies.
The advantages of science are not restricted to the urban population.
In the fields of agriculture, forestry and fishery, science has
provided the rural population with the latest implements and know-how.
The new methods of agriculture have boosted the production of farms and
fields. With the use of different kind pesticides, the crops remain
undamaged and the tillers of the soil get better return of the labour.
This increase in output not only improves the condition of the toiling
masses, but also brings about a healthy change in the economy of the
country. This keeps on moving the nations on the path of progress and
prosperity.
As we cast our eyes on the other side of the picture, we cannot help
coming to the conclusion that science is also the monster of death and
destruction. Man is selfish and pugnacious by nature. To fulfil his
jingoist designs, he stands in need of the most destructive weapons,
which could bring about the annihilation of his rivals. Man has gained
knowledge in the field of science, but due to lack of wisdom, he is
misusing this knowledge. All big nations are thinking of fulfilling the
dream of becoming the super power. The wars of today are not limited to
the battlefield. It brings about epidemic killing of the civilian
population. The knowledge of this domain has added immeasurable danger
to war. All the leading powers posses fatal weapons, and it seems that
the weaker countries are their mercy. These big nations talk a lot about
reduction in arms and they hold disarmament conferences. However, their
practice is quite contrary to their preaching.
Science, no doubt provides, new ways of entertainment, but these very
means of amusement are bringing a sharp decline in the moral values of
the young generation and equally sharp increase in the number of crimes.
The TV and video provide entertainment but they quite often become the
channels of vulgarity and obscenity. Moreover, new ways of crime are
shown to younger people, who adopt the path of getting easy money.
Looking at the two aspects of modern science, we conclude that
science by itself is neither good nor bad. It is the will and intentions
of man, which makes him, put it to constructive use or take it to the
path of devil.