---
title: "Two ways science can help society develop"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:two-ways-science-help-society"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/two-ways-science-help-society
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Two ways science can help society develop

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2072 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/two-ways-science-help-society
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

What are the two ways in which science can help society to develop? (The Scientific Attitude)

## Short answer

Science helps society through applied knowledge and technology, such as medicine, better food production, power, transport, and communication. It also helps through the scientific attitude: honest observation, testing, and open-mindedness. Society needs both the means of progress and the right spirit.

## Answer

Science can help society to develop in two main ways: through its practical results, and through the habit of thought it teaches.

#### 1. Through applied knowledge and technology
Science discovers facts and laws of nature, and these are used to make useful things and improve living conditions.
- Medicine and sanitation reduce disease and increase life expectancy.
- Better seeds, fertilisers and machines increase food production.
- Power, transport and communication, such as electricity, roads, aircraft, telephones and the Internet, raise the standard of living and connect people.
- Industry and engineering create jobs and wealth.

This is the material side of science, which makes life safer, more comfortable and more productive.

#### 2. Through the scientific attitude and method
Science also teaches a way of thinking:
- observing facts honestly,
- questioning and testing instead of accepting beliefs blindly,
- reasoning from evidence,
- being open-minded and willing to change one's view.

When citizens adopt this attitude, superstition, prejudice and ignorance decline. Society becomes more rational, tolerant and able to solve its own problems and plan its future.

#### Conclusion
The first way provides the means of progress; the second provides the right spirit. A society needs both: scientific knowledge to improve life, and a scientific outlook to use that knowledge wisely.

## Check yourself

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

1. What are the two ways science helps society develop?
   A. Through applied knowledge and technology, and through the scientific attitude and method
   B. Through weapons and wealth
   C. Through faith and tradition
   D. Through laws and politics
   Answer: A. One provides means of progress; the other, the right spirit. (Key point: Two ways)

2. Which is an example of the first way?
   A. Questioning beliefs
   B. Open-mindedness
   C. Medicine, better seeds, power and transport raising living standards
   D. Reasoning from evidence
   Answer: C. This is the material side of science. (Key point: Technology)

3. What happens when citizens adopt the scientific attitude?
   A. Superstition, prejudice and ignorance decline
   B. Technology stops
   C. Beliefs are blindly accepted
   D. Industry shrinks
   Answer: A. Society becomes more rational and tolerant. (Key point: Attitude)

4. Why does a society need both?
   A. Technology alone is enough
   B. Attitude alone builds roads
   C. Knowledge improves life and outlook ensures it is used wisely
   D. They conflict
   Answer: C. The conclusion says both are needed. (Key point: Need for both)

## Related in Communication English

- [The Scientific Attitude: elements for society](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ascientific-attitude-elements-society) — Communication English, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [Importance of science (The Scientific Attitude)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aimportance-of-science-scientific-attitude) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Scientific attitude and qualities of a scientist](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ascientific-attitude-qualities-scientist) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Two aspects of science for world development](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Atwo-aspects-development-of-world-science) — Communication English, chapter 2