MRR#1 The Medawar Lecture Is Science Dangerous?'
MRR#1 The Medawar Lecture Is Science Dangerous?'
MRR#1 The Medawar Lecture Is Science Dangerous?'
1. Lewis Wolpert implied that scientific reasoning is derived from the results or findings of scientists
after researching and carrying out experiments. Scientific knowledge is inclined to facts and is not
constraint to any moral or ethical value. According to Wolpert, scientists must educate the public
about the social consequences or the negative impacts of their discovery and its technological
applications. It is their responsibility to inform the people of the good or bad effects of their
findings. They only present their observations or findings based on facts and scientific data.
2. Conflation is the combination of two or more sets of facts, ideas, concepts, etc. into one. There are
many aspects in which science and technology vary. Trying to combine science and technology,
given the differences between the two, could pose a problem because it only wouldn't be able to
highlight what science and technology are about. Science is the search and a collection
of knowledge, while technology applies science from theories to real-life applications.
3. Scientists conduct research in pursuit of new knowledge, while ordinary citizens are the ones who
give moral or ethical values to that knowledge. One example where the distinction becomes
apparent is the principles of eugenics. Eugenics studied and discovered by scientists became
controversial, especially when Hitler used this knowledge to segregate the weak to improve the
German race. Another example is the idea of vaccination. There are many people today who are
against vaccination simply because they are afraid or fear its side effects. Vaccines were invented
to fight viruses or diseases that spread like wildfire from person to person. Although its intentions
are good, some ordinary citizens impose ethical values against it, especially the mothers who fear
the lives of their children if vaccinated, so they stand against it.
4. Eugenics is the selection of preferred heritable traits to enhance future generations of humans.
For me, this is an example of the classic wickedness of scientific knowledge since I think that by
nature, we humans are different from other species. Our features, skills were developed naturally,
and what good would it do if scientists changed it. I know eugenics was discovered to improve our
species, but for me, this is just another form of racism and discrimination.
5. Encouraging ordinary citizens to learn more about science is greatly needed especially, in this
current generation wherein technology is found everywhere. Science, technology, and society are
essential or important to study. Studying these will help us engage ourselves better in society and
face these moral and ethical dilemmas. Science and technology are everything we see in our
modern society. This knowledge is the key that will help improve our society. If applied properly,
these latest advances in research and technology will strengthen our society but could also abuse
certain people's rights if its benefits are abused.