---
title: "Use and Misuse of Science"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:how-can-science-be-misused"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/how-can-science-be-misused
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Use and Misuse of Science

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2074 Chaitra, 5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/how-can-science-be-misused
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

How can science be misused? Explain. [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.

## Answer

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
1. **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.
2. **Environmental damage.** Careless industry, vehicles and chemicals cause air, water and soil pollution, deforestation and global warming.
3. **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.
4. **Dependence on machines.** Over-reliance on machines can cause unemployment, lack of exercise and loss of human skills and contact.
5. **Invasion of privacy.** Surveillance technology and misuse of data and the Internet can be used to spy, cheat and spread false information.
6. **Greed and exploitation.** Technology may be used only for profit, to produce harmful goods, or to exploit workers and nature.
7. **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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. How does the answer describe science itself?
   A. Neutral; benefit or harm depends on how people use it
   B. Always harmful
   C. Always beneficial
   D. Harmful only in war
   Answer: A. Misuse occurs when knowledge is applied for destructive, selfish or careless ends. (Key point: Nature of science)

2. Which is an example of misuse involving nuclear knowledge?
   A. Using nuclear power for electricity
   B. Using X-rays in hospitals
   C. Nuclear energy that could light cities turned into the bomb
   D. Using solar panels
   Answer: C. Weapons of mass destruction are a prime misuse. (Key point: Weapons)

3. Which is listed as environmental misuse?
   A. Careless industry and vehicles causing pollution, deforestation and global warming
   B. Planting trees
   C. Recycling water
   D. Using wind turbines
   Answer: A. Careless use of technology damages air, water and soil. (Key point: Environment)

4. What remedy does the answer suggest?
   A. Stopping all scientific research
   B. Leaving it to profit-seeking companies
   C. Wisdom, morality and responsible laws to guide science
   D. Using more machines
   Answer: C. Knowledge should be used for human welfare and peace. (Key point: Remedy)