THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE ON SOCIETY
James Burke Jules Bergman Isaac Asimov
NASA SP-482
THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE ON SOCIETY
James Burke Jules Bergman Isaac Asimov
Prepared by Langley Research Center
Scientific and Technical Information Branch
1985
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, DC
Library of Congress Cataloging in PublicationData
Burke, James, 1936The impact of science on society. (NASA SP ; 482) Series of lectures given at a public lecture series sponsored by NASA and the College of William and Mary in 1983. 1 . Science-Social aspects-Addresses, essays, lectures. I. Bergman, Jules. 11. Asimov, Isaac, 1920. 111. United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. IV.College of William and Mary. V.
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In many cases, it has been the awareness that change was even happening at all, the understanding that the solid base from which prediction was being made might be about as solid as quicksand. Even the most apparently immutable system or structure may be experiencing change even as you look at it. By change I mean, of course, not just change in the sense of bigger and better models and new ways of doing the same things you were doing before, but qualitative change in the structure and behavior of the society in which you live. I mean new philosophies as well as new gadgets. I’m not saying that the appreciation of change is easy; far from it, particularly today. As one of your more respectable social forecasters said recently, “If you understand something today, that means it must by definition already be obsolete.” Our general relationship with the present accelerating rate of change reminds me of the postcard from the patient on holiday to his psychiatrist at home: “Having a wonderful time. Why?” The difficulty
all remedy. Since soma has no side effects, it can be a threat to society
A new exhibition on the sciences and their impact is opening. These exhibits will range from the very beginnings of modern science up to the modern day. But five star exhibits will be displayed in prominence for their impact shaped the course of science. First is John Snow who revolutionized the way medicine was conducted. Secondly there is Isaac Newton, who is dubbed the father of the scientific revolution. Next is Albert Einstein’s famous equation E=mc² which in many ways shaped not only science but military and politics. Rachel Carson is the next prominent exhibit for her influence on agriculture and her influence on the historical perspective of science. Lastly we have Adam Gopnik, though not a scientist himself, he has given great insight
Much credit should belong to scientists for making important technological and medical discoveries in the world. In Bishop,'sEnemies of Promise," well known scientists point out views regarding their belief in science. Representative George E. Brown, Jr., who has been trained as a physicist admits that "his faith in science has been shaken." He feels that as our knowledge of science increases, so do the occurrence of social problems. Brown, Jr. Feels that the progression of science should lead to diminishing social problems rather than an increase.(238) The real question is, is science to blame, or are the humans creating science to blame? Critics such as Brown and Lamm "blame science for what are actually the failures of individuals to use the knowledge that science has provided." Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus, is a good example of a myth about a scientist who took science to an extreme.
I argue one of the most significant outcomes of post WWII era was the Space Race during the 1950’s of The Cold War. The outcome of the Space Race saw advancements in technology that allowed humans to reach the outer depths of the universe. This is a major contribution to the 21st century; however, I assert that one of the most fundamental and perhaps ignored redefining impact of the Space Race was that it improved the educational system and put more emphasis on learning and research in all disciplines.
Technology has had a major impact on human successes over the past million years. Possibly the single most influential event in the public’s interest when it comes to science and technology, would be the Apollo II mission. The space field has had a major impact and also has provided us with the ability to learn new technology and advance in our latest technologies. Since the first man walked on the moon, science has advanced at a rapid pace; nuclear power, television, jet
In the present day, society depends on Science greatly; it supplies jobs, provides technology capable of saving lives, and furthers our society in many positive ways. However, society often misses the negative aspects of Science. Vonnegut identifies many problems with the general perspective on Science in Cat's Cradle,
It is change, continuing change, inevitable change that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. These are the words of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov
From the ancient Greeks to present day American scientists they have used the power of science to further the lives of all mankind. For thousands of years science has proved to make life easier and to further our own understandings of how the world works. Science has proven to improve our own well being through the enhancement medicines and the thorough knowledge of the human body. Diseases have been beaten back by the great efforts of science and human life extended to its limit. Many great people have and will contribute to the growth of science to increase the comfort and life of mankind not for selfish gain but for the knowledge of bettering the world.
Adventure’s in the Atomic Age displays the idea that financial barriers and difficult courses should not be what is stopping someone from being successful in the field of science. “Scientists would feel a sense of purpose and inner satisfaction even if their efforts were not important to the world in which we live. In actuality, of course, there is no group of persons on whom society as a whole depends so heavily” (292).
The reality of change is a scary but a necessary situation during life. It brings people together through hard times, like hurricane Katrina. It could tear a society apart as it did to the Roman Empire when it fell into the wrong hands of a blood thirsty dictator. Changes could be harmless, in the sense that human life didn’t die because of it, like East Africa transitioning from a jungle to a grassland. Changes sometimes go unnoticed, like the sky changing from sunny to partly cloudy. Throughout all these different kinds of changes, people react in different ways and may make hard, indecisive decisions on how to solve or deal with the problem or issues. Change effects humans differently throughout time or in a matter of an over night experience,
“Science and experimentation drives job creation, produces economic growth… The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs added considerably to America’s national honor, fostered countrywide spirit of and attracted countless children into careers in math and science” (Source E). Technology through NASA has frequently pushed the brilliant minds of America, and when upcoming generations witness the successful achievements they too feel obligated to make those devices more efficient, user friendly, and cheaper. These highly intelligent scientist are setting the standard for adolescent innovative minds and this organization not only promotes scientific inquiries, but moves future generations to become better than their
Techno-optimist or techno-pessimist? That is the question. Technology throughout time has no doubt changed our way of life. Travelling to destinations quicker, curing new diseases, or figuring out how to cease a wide famine are examples of how technology has made advances over time. The solutions that scientists create spark a tool that others cannot live without. But what if these technologies bring out negative effects rather than their desired purpose? Sometimes, innovators create new inventions that bring unintended consequences. It could range from less communication face to face, side effects from new medicines, or pollute the earth’s atmosphere.
Other phrases throughout the first four pages use words like "nightmare", "destroy", "haunt", and "anguish" to attract readers to how seriously society takes awareness of science. These phrases get readers to feel the urgency of the views against science in society. The dark phrasing successfully shows that society has taken a responsible view against incorrect scientific application.
Alan Francis Chalmers is an associate professor who works extensive in the history and philosophy of science (physical). Alan Chalmers has taught at the University of Sydney since 1971, first in the School of Philosophy, and from 1987 at the Unit for the History and Philosophy of Science. He attained a B.Sc. in physics at the University of Bristol, and his M.Sc. in physics from the University of Manchester. His Ph.D. on the electromagnetic theory of J.C. Maxwell was granted by the University of London. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Humanities in 1997. He has been a Visiting Scholar at the Flinders Philosophy Department since 1999.
Science is an important part of our every day lives. We wake up each morning because we hear the ringing of our alarm clocks and turn on our faucets to wash our faces with warm water. We turn on the lights in our rooms to see our clothes and get dressed and we put our breakfast in the toaster and sip coffee from our mugs. All these things we do in the short time we are rushing to get ready for work or school, are due to the advancement of science and technology.