Class XII, ENGLISH, Essay, "Merits and Demerits of Science"

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.