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, colorful 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 fulfill 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.
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