With Regard To Current Scientific Developments
Science has been described as an organized body of knowledge based on observation and experimentation. It is the systematic study of the characteristics and behaviour of all things in the universe. There seems to be a strong desire in humans to constantly expand this body of knowledge as well as to interpret the observations made and even control what we think we understand about the various aspects of our universe. It is the perception of some that science has gone too far in its quest for understanding, manipulation and control. However, since science is such a broad area of knowledge it is difficult to make this statement as an over-riding one since advancement is not uniform across all topic areas touched by science. Some topics addressed by science clearly result in benefits to the human population while others are seen as very negative.
Through medical science there have been many advancements that have been of great benefit in that they are able to enhance the quality of life for many people. When illness or injury strike medical science has provided tools to reduce pain and suffering for those injured and improve recovery for those afflicted with injury or disease. As an example the development of prosthetics has allowed many humans to live more fruitful and productive lives. Some would argue that these tools and measures go against a natural order found in other species of animals in that it is the weak and injured that provide livelihood for a variety of predators. In this way a balance can be maintained in numerous population sizes. These and other advancements made through science have allowed the human population to increase in size over time to the point where it can barely support itself any longer.
In nature there are found numerous very delicate balances which act to maintain population sizes within bounds that can be supported by the environment. Humans have changed that balance by providing numerous tools and processes for supporting its population and allowing it to flourish. This ever growing population of humans places many more demands on the earth’s environment and upsets many of the pre-existing natural balances. Despite all the knowledge gained through science humans have yet to learn enough to fully understand the intricacies of the functioning environment. A looming question for human science is whether or not it can provide sufficient food to support an ever-growing population.
Reproductive technology has made considerable strides through scientific endeavors. There are numerous ways in which fertilization has been increased in the human population resulting in even more growth. With the various forms of assisted conception including in vitro fertilization many women who would not have otherwise had children are now able to conceive adding even more to the population growth. Some people argue this goes against the natural order of things and is taking scientific development too far.
Human understanding of the structure and function of DNA has advanced considerably in recent years. This has allowed humans to take even more control over life and the characteristics of living things. Some people argue this gives humans godlike powers over a variety of life forms and is something humans were not meant to have. Should science provide us with the opportunity to clone humans we could lose much respect for life by creating clones for the sole purpose of providing organs for bodies that are wearing out. The genetic engineering of food crops is a contentious area as we have no way of knowing the impact these crops will have on other organisms that share the environment or rely on them for food or other means.
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge such as for the engineering and development of machinery and equipment that can be used in a variety of ways to support human endeavors. Technology has provided us with many useful tools. In addition to medical advancement technology has given us improved methods and tools for transportation and communication. In the past 100 years there have been numerous developments related to these areas. However, not all of them have been beneficial to the human population of the planet it inhabits. Although technologies such as automobiles, planes and trains allow us to travel much greater distances they have all contributed to the degradation of the environment. Humans have exploited the earth's natural resources to support these technologies with the results that much damage has been done to what was once a pristine environment. There is still much debate around the so-called facts associated with the perceived damages. Once again the question arises related to science taking us too far toward the total destruction of our environment.
Computer science, information and communication technology and entertainment technologies are key branches of engineering. These areas have provided us with numerous opportunities to improve our understanding of the natural world and the people who inhabit it. Human culture varies from region to region but with improved communication technology humans can improve their understanding of the numerous differences and similarities between cultures and peoples. It is through this improved understanding that conflicts can more easily be avoided.
Throughout human history there have been great conflicts which have led to the development of numerous weapons and tools of war. Science has provided humans with the means to destroy virtually every population on the planet including its own. There are now explosive devices capable of killing millions of people at a time, able to chart a course halfway around the world without ongoing human intervention or drive deep into a protected area such as a cave before exploding. There are poisons and germs capable of killing large numbers of people before they are ever detected. Some have described this as “man's inhumanity to man” which once again can be described as science gone too far.
Other technology has given us the ability to keep in touch with loved ones and other people All around the world. With computers connected through the Internet and cell phones connected through wireless transmissions we are able to remain in touch with others almost anywhere in the world. As these electronic technologies develop and improve the cost of production comes down making them more readily available for people to acquire and use. However, technology has not given us the ability to inexpensively disposed of old technologies. This is resulting in heightened concerns for the safety of our environment. Thus it can be argued these technologies have not gone far enough on one hand because we cannot easily recycle or reuse the materials they are made of but on the other hand have gone too far in that they lead to potential damage to us and our habitat.
Some of the advances in the technology associated with computers and communication has the potential to provide both security and an invasion of privacy. Human activities can now be monitored in many ways and for many purposes. This is another example where some will argue science has gone too far in that it allows some individuals to exploit others through the acquisition of information that would not normally be available to them.
Since there are so many benefits derived from science and scientific advancement I would argue that science has not gone too far but rather the tools developed by science are often abused or misused resulting in harm to human individuals and populations. Since we do not yet fully understand all of the workings of our environment many of the scientific advancements made by humans have resulted in damage to other organisms and the environment in which they live. With so many people in the world each given to his or her own thinking there is little chance that everyone will agree on any given topic. This too has the potential to result in conflict, bad decisions, and inappropriate developmental direction. We can only hope the decision-makers choose the right direction.
References
Dodwell, Peter. “Brave New Mind: A Thoughtful Inquiry Into The Nature And Meaning Of Mental Life.” Oxford University Press. Oxford, New York, 2000. (ISBN 0-19-508905-7)
Edmiston, John. “Cloning: Has Science Gone Too Far?.” http://www.globalchristians.org/articles/clones.htm. 20 April 2011. Thurs. 22 March 2012.
Fiester, Autumn. “Genetically Modified Animals: Have We Gone Too Far?” http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&ved=0CCwQFjABOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ensp.unl.pt%2Fdispositivos-de- apoio%2Fcdi% 2Fcdi%2Fsector-de-publicacoes%2Fprecario%2Fpublicacoes_em_coedicao %2Fconteudos-livros-pl%2Flivro-1%2F04%2520Fiester.pdf&ei= wyhpT5isJaKfiALxx9zWCw&usg=AFQjCNG-Ck6L7Bemy2SG4Az9zJ2vdE87RA &sig2=AKNqTG7gusXo2BS-KSp0_Q. 14 Jun 2011. Thurs. 22 March 2012.
Guzman, Jose Miguel, George Martine, Gordon McGranahan, Daniel Schensul, Cecilia Tacoli. “Population Dynamics and Climate Change.” UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and IIED, the International Institute for Environment and Development. 24-25 June 2009. (ISBN: 978-0-89714-919-8)
Hutchinson, Martin. BBC News: Have Scientists Gone Too Far?. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3040126.stm. 3 Jul. 2003. Thurs. 22 March 2012.
McClellan, Eric B. “When Scientists Play God: How Far is Too Far.” http://www.theology21.com/2011/06/14/when-scientists-play-god-how-far-is-too-far/ Tues. 14 June 2011. Thurs. 22 March 2012.
