Science in Society

1192 Words3 Pages

Science in Society

Within the last century scientific discovery has been growing at an exponential rate. Evolution, genetics, physics, and chemistry have all greatly affected the way people view the universe and human role in it. Furthermore, the application of scientific discoveries has physically changed society. For example, humans went from being flightless to eighty years later having transportation in super sonic jets available. Rapid scientific change has caused many issues surrounding morality and science to arise. The idea behind the skepticism is that just because something can be done doesnt mean it should be. Nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and cloning have all fallen under fire due to this concept. People worry that negative side effects from scientific discovery could lead to the destruction of modern civilization. In the essay The Island of Doctor Moreau, Freeman Dyson uses evidence to reply to the skepticism surrounding sciences role in today's society and the future. To answer the fear, Dyson uses his scientific insight with a series of explanations of books and true stories. In "The Island of Doctor Moreau", through influential wording and the use of novels and true stories, Dyson successfully portrays society as actively aware of science and capable of limiting science's negative side effects.

Dyson's choice of words leaves his readers confidently believing humans are capable of controlling science. The first part of his essay is in a scare format, using novels to shows readers they need to be worried about science and are not alone in this feeling. Dyson wants his audience to understand that humans have already responsibly taken a standpoint against the negative side effects of science. To show how ...

... middle of paper ...

...s essay are left convinced that humans can control science.

Will humans be successful in controlling science? Freeman Dyson believes so. In order to prove that humans can stay sane and continue on in science he has written an essay titled "The Island of Doctor of Moreau". Through use of novels and real life examples, he convinces readers of success against bad science due to human awareness. Dyson wants readers to understand that success in controlling science is due to responsible citizens not getting away from their identity and uniqueness as the human species: "Matthew Meselson's purpose as a biologist and as a citizen is "to build an ethos for the future, one that says a deep knowledge of life processes must be used only to reinforce what is essentially human in us"". Sanity Dyson feels is the key that humans have to containing the problems created by science.

Open Document