Has Man Lost Sight of the Purpose of Science?

The study of Science in its various realms-medical, political, psychological and even agricultural-is something that has undoubtedly pervaded the history of Man. Our forefathers hoped to use science to explain the many mysteries of life and forge a better living for themselves. This attitude remains prevalent today as researchers the world over continue to develop existing ideas to solve global problems such as poverty and famine. Nonetheless, it is easy to see why some may argue that we have increasingly forgotten the intrinsic value of science, and have instead overstepped our boundaries, exploiting it such that its worth is lost. However, this essay will argue that Man has not been so myopic-the importance of Science after all continues till today, and has heralded in a 21^st century greatly improved from the last, with the hope and potential for upward progress.

It may seem that our history of humans shows a poor record of our use, or rather, the exploitation, of science. For instance, the discovery of nuclear energy promised a world that no longer would rely on the steadily depleting fossil fuels and natural gases. Instead, however, it led to the disasters of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, whose effects on Japanese society still breed problems today. It also ushered in an era of mutually assured destruction during the Cold War years, and especially after the Cuban Missile Crisis, the closest Man would ever come to the possibility of nuclear war between the two superpowers. Some may argue that Man therefore has lost sight of the purpose of Science a long time ago: instead of making use of it to improve our quality of life, it was greatly abused and wielded by those in power for destructive ends and what can be seen as selfish pursuits. However, scratching beneath the surface, we also see many people-world leaders and lay men alike-having stepped up in protest against this abuse of Science, which in fact led to nuclear arms talks to prevent any further loss of life from nuclear strikes between countries. Looking back on his time as Kennedy's White House Science Advisor, Jerome Weisner accredited the signing of the first internationally negotiated nuclear arms talk, the Partial Test Ban Treaty if 1963, to international pressure and groups such as SANE, a feminist group dominated by women. Therefore, whenever Science's true worth seems to have been discarded in the past, there is also proof that Man has interceded to stop its abuse and avoid further manipulation.

Additionally some may point to the recent case of South Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk, vilified for his false claims that he had discovered a breakthrough in stem cell research. Science here was used to boost South Korea's international status as the 11^th largest world economy bent on producing fast results. Instead of using Science to truly develop and expand existing knowledge on the use of stem cells, which holds promise for patients needing organ transplants, Hwang instead falsified reports and brought shame to his country. Therefore, he breached the very rule that all scientists follow, that every theory made has to be substantiated and backed up by solid, genuine evidence. It is sadly the case that many scientists increasingly fake results here and there, thinking that 'just a little' margin of error will not make a difference. The furthest extent that we can say the aim of Science has been lost, therefore, would be that in the race to be number one, some have been blinded to the rules and regulations that make scientific discoveries so persuasive, and indeed, credible.

More importantly, Science has been used for noble and benevolent reasons, and has achieved its intrinsic worth and potential. Science in agriculture, for instance, has exploded in recent years with the Green Revolution and the recognition that old school techniques and methods of farming will not suffice with the world's burgeoning population. The rise of high-tech farming using science to pinpoint exactly the appropriate conditions needed for maximum crop growth has seen a concomitant increase in agricultural output in countries as diverse as Germany, Australia and even Africa. Efforts have been made to install equipment that truly delivers results-the optimum amount of fertilizer for a specific area of land, of course, yields much more than previously, when crop conditions were based solely on what a farmer deemed right. In the agricultural arena, we also see scientists intent on genetically modified foods, which hold much potential in producing more food, faster. For example, a new type of fish on the market in the US, the Aqua Advantage Salmon, grows to maturity in one-and-a-half years, about half the time regular salmon take to be market-ready. Thus, Science has been harnessed to improve the quality of life for those in developing and developed countries alike. The number of campaigns against world hunger and for alleviating famine clearly attest to the fact that as we become more advanced, we have not forgotten these less fortunate in less industrialised countries.

Additionally, in the arena of medicine, Science and technology have worked hand-in-hand to enhance our standards of living. For example, in the old days, an European adage went something like this: "Woe to the child who is kissed and tastes salty. He is cursed and soon must die." While the slow and painful deaths of children was inexplicable-or merely attributed to one's luck or bad fortune in the past-now Science has led to the discovery of the cause of this disease, cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, Science has gone as far as developing a cure for these patients, such that many sufferers of cystic fibrosis can now lead normal lives. Another example of science in medicine would be the recent development in the USA that allows pregnant mothers to take an amniocentosis test without much risk to see whether or not their babies have the extra chromosome that causes Down's Syndrome. The dwindling Down's Syndrome population in the US, with only 5500 sufferers born each year, attests to the fact that science has been a great boon to alleviating and preventing what could have been emotionally and physically draining for these families. Some may say that this borders on eugenics, however, the fact is that many families would not have the financial and family support needed to raise a Down's Syndrome child, and therefore this is also sparing the child from receiving a poorer childhood that does not provide him with the care and attention his condition needs.

Moreover, the very essence of Science, that is in its purpose of unraveling life's mysteries to us, has undoubtedly continued till today and has ushered in an international community keen on discovering what makes the world go round, what makes people tick, and all sorts of things many deemed "natural" in the past. Educational institutes designed and established for the sole purpose of scientific research and inquiry go far in showing how we, as humans, still persist in an ongoing, lifelong quest for knowledge. No longer is one likely to accept everything prima facie; with the internet and vastly expanding horizons, even an eight-year-old ca check to see if what has been taught to him is true. The study of hard sciences, biology, physics and chemistry, occurs worldwide, and has deepened our cognitive abilities to even the molecular level, such that we now know the processes that go on between atoms even. Anyone who desires to learn can these days, and this has been largely expedited and assisted by science and scientific endeavours. For example, the setting up of the Biopolis in Singapore as the research hub in the biomedical sector has attracted professionals, scholars and professors from many parts of the world. The use of science along with technological advancements, has allowed us to become better educated and knowledgeable, so life is much more than everyday happenings on a mundane level.

In conclusion, while in some cases Science seems to have suffered a blow, manipulated and exploited by Man to serve destructive ends, it has been an incredible reservoir of knowledge for us as humans. We have harnessed Science not only to better understand and comprehend our world, we have also benefited from it through improving our quality and standard of living to a level that is unprecedented, and would have been a mere dream for many of our ancestors. Therefore, we have not been blinded to the main purpose of Science, rather, we have enjoyed from its fruits.