The Value of Science Response

The Value of Science

Science is a very important subject in this world. It provides knowledge to many topics and enables us, as humans to accomplish feats such as flight, and atomic power. Although this science assists us to perform tasks, many will argue that this subject wastes valuable time from intelligent scientists, who should by studying problems of social causes that would immediately benefit us as a community. Richard Feynman writes his work “The Value of Science” to address this issue. Feynman believes that, although the time of the scientists may be put to use in solving social problems, they are not any better than any other person; as such problems do not have formulas. Since scientists can be put to greater use in the field of science, the question arises: What value does science hold?

In many cases, there are good and bad outcomes of anything. Feynman believes that science is merely a tool that enables us to do good or evil as well. He quotes from a Buddhist religion: “To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell”. This illustrates the entirety of Feynman’s thoughts. To enforce this idea, Feynman provides examples such as that the study medicine is able to help people to rid sicknesses, yet there are those that still use that science for creating poison for warfare. This is agreeable; there are many examples that can be listed. One in which is common for many is the computer. Developed for science the tool is used today for both work (good) and theft (evil). The thought process that follows that creation of the idea will determine where it is to be used.

Feynman also mentions that there are other applications from science, such as social worldviews that are influenced and created from science. One of which he says is that the fact that the world views the applications of science over the idea itself. This can be arguable to an extent, as there are people that would be more interested in the idea. Such would be scientists that look at these ideas as a base model for future ideas.

The article is straightforward for the length it runs, as the ideas are explained clearly. There are no surprises that occur in this article as the logic is sound. Reading this article has humoured and provided a better understanding on the topic for myself, which again, proves that there is value in such science. This would lead me to believe that I am not the only one that enjoys such readings. The process of the enlightenment that the science creates is one that is enjoyed by many, and thankfully, there are those to write such pieces. Science has a very high value; it plays a role in determining the way the people live, their morals and enlightenment, making this subject one of the most prized.

Questions:

Discuss topic in science which has generated controversy within the general society. NOT GENETICS.

If such forks in the path of thinking that lead to outcomes of good and bad exist, does a method of reducing and/or eliminating the possibilities of such thinking exist?

Expand on a worldview that is created or influenced by science.