- 2074 Chaitra · 5 marks
Use and Misuse of Science
Short answer
Science is neutral but is misused when applied for destructive, selfish, or careless ends, such as weapons of mass destruction, environmental damage, drug abuse, surveillance, and exploitation. It is also misused when technical progress lacks ethics. The remedy is wisdom, morality, and responsible laws.
How can science be misused? Explain. [Use and Misuse of Science]
Science is a powerful tool and is neutral in itself; it can bring great benefit or great harm depending on how human beings use it. Misuse occurs when scientific knowledge is applied for destructive, selfish or careless ends.
Ways in which science is misused
- Weapons of mass destruction. Atomic, hydrogen, chemical and biological weapons have killed and can kill millions. Nuclear energy that could light cities is turned into the bomb.
- Environmental damage. Careless industry, vehicles and chemicals cause air, water and soil pollution, deforestation and global warming.
- Health risks. Medical science is misused when drugs are sold wrongly, when science is used to make narcotics, or when experiments disregard human life and dignity.
- Dependence on machines. Over-reliance on machines can cause unemployment, lack of exercise and loss of human skills and contact.
- Invasion of privacy. Surveillance technology and misuse of data and the Internet can be used to spy, cheat and spread false information.
- Greed and exploitation. Technology may be used only for profit, to produce harmful goods, or to exploit workers and nature.
- Neglect of moral values. Scientific progress without ethics makes people proud and selfish.
Remedy
Science must be accompanied by wisdom, morality and responsible laws. Scientists and citizens should use knowledge for human welfare and peace.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)