Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Morality and Science
On Monday we had discussed if the creation of the monster was moral or not. This topic got me interested on what exactly goes through a scientist's mind as they design/create an experiment. For instance, I personally think that the monster was created with the right idea in mind, however the aftereffects of having a monster were not fully thought out. This is also true for several inventions, such guns. They were created with good intentions, but their actual use was not intended. Some scientists might not realize the outcome of their inventions, as was the case with the atom bomb. Do you think that scientists generally try to make their inventions with man kind's well being in mind? Or, do you think scientists are more focused on their fame and glory rather than the invention's outcome?
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This is actually very interesting and I think it relates to a more broad spectrum than just science. I mean why do people do research in general? Is it to help others or truly is it to help themselves? I think that when we think of science we think of a global collaboration of peers that work together to try and devise answers to questions that life presents. But underneath all of the help that scientists provide, we can't not have some inkling that what they are doing is for themselves and their own glory. The society we live in today has made us not only compete but go to all ends to win.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't just happen in science but in all aspects of life. Take professional sports for instance. Multiple players have been caught taking steroids to enhance the way that they play and look. Are they doing this for the betterment of the team of for their own self image? Although I might seem like a pessimist, I have to believe that some of it is for own personal recognition and power.
Well, I agree with Alison, that the scientists make advancements for personal reasons. I do not think that they work for recognition alone. I believe comparing obsessed scientists to drug-enhanced athletes is a bit of a stretch. It’s because when scientists become obsessed with a ground-breaking research, in terms of the atomic bomb, the physicists were forced to research, as their patriotism was held in question. Though recognition does come with scientific breakthroughs, it is not for that glory alone. If you may recall the scientist who was obsessed with the discovery of the Mayan descendents, he had no hopes of becoming famous or being widely recognized. He only wanted the self-satisfaction of being able to contribute to the scientific society and that he was able to fulfill his life’s goals. I guess that the scientists continue working to satisfy their own desires of accomplishment, but hoping that the mankind will be benefitted in some way. Dr. Frankenstein intended the monster for good, to end all despair of death, however, it just didn’t turn out the way he’d hoped.
ReplyDeleteScience is driven by economy. Most scientific discoveries are driven by the desire to get some gain out of it whether it be power or money. Most inventions throughout history have a applied purpose. Some scientific discoveries are for good work now but in general power (weapons) make a country stronger and with so many countries there will always be competition.
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