Essays Merits and Demerits of Science
2nd Year English Notes
Essays 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.
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