Science and Technology in Reflections and Enemies of Promise :: Reflections Enemies

Science and Technology in Reflections and Enemies of Promise The controversy over science is the central argument in both ooze Borns Reflections and J. Michael Bishops Enemies of Promise. Science and technology have greatly influenced and improved the way people live in a society. However, while Born argues that science is the essence of the disruption of human civilization (208), Bishop strongly disagrees with Borns views that scientists must take responsibility for their inventions and discoveries. Borns essay partly portrays a negative view towards scientists and science. It shows examples of inventions along with their negative effects towards temper and the world. For example, medicine has overcome most plagues and epidemic diseases and it has doubled the human lifespan within a single generation the result . . . catastrophic overpopulation (Born 209). On the some other hand, Bishop believes that science has a more positive impact on the world. To him, We live in an age of scientific triumph. Science has solved many of natures puzzles and greatly magnified human knowledge (237). Bishops view is right. But a point of similarity between the two works is that to be a true scientist one involve a complete education, which includes humanistic subjects like literature, art, philosophy, history, religion, and music. For instance in Borns words, Scientists should not be cut off from humanistic thinking (212), for it has insights to offer into the human assure (Bishop 238). Here both agree. Another strong argument is that societys judgment of science is clouded by ignorance. It blames science for what are actually the failures of individuals or society to handling the knowledge that science has provided. The blame is misplaced (Bishop 239). For example, the government spends millions of dollars on the baccy industry even though it is a proven scientific fact that tobacco kills. This shows that some people only want to misuse scien tific products, so they should be prepared to take responsibility for their action and not blame it on science as Born implies. Although Borns Reflections and Bishops Enemies of Promise share some similar points the main focus of each work is quite different. In Reflections, Born confesses a sense of responsibility for the break down in human civilization (208).