Science, being a body of knowledge that is based on empirical observation and logical deduction, has always prided itself as the light of reason which illuminates the darkness of ignorance shrouding the world. It is a catalyst of change and the impetus for technological advancement.
As the most important prerequisite for technological improvements, science undoubtedly has a far-reaching influence and plays an important role in society. Enhanced understanding of the various phenomena in nature has enabled us to create a multitude of devices and machines to improve our lives. Indeed, without science, technological marvels such as the now ubiquitous computers, mobile phones, air-conditioners and countless other devices which we have taken for granted would not have been possible, let alone construct skyscrapers and entire cities. Advances in medical science have also given us a plethora of medicine and vaccines in our battles against diseases and extending the average lifespan of humans. Yet in the same breath, science has also led to the invention of the machinery of modern warfare and weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. A scientifically-inspired technological society is thus not necessarily a better world.
Blindly supporting science without a moral compass would only lead to more problems. What is needed in the face of the mounting challenges in the 21st century is a science that is bold and creative, yet ethical, compassionate and inclusive. For too long we have narrowly focused on utilising science for the betterment of the human race alone, even to the extent of neglecting the environment we live in. We have exploited animals for research on human diseases, deforested vast swathes of land, polluted the environment and destroyed the natural habitats of countless creatures in our quest to gather ever more resources to feed our insatiable consumerism. Who are we to proclaim ourselves as masters of nature and that it is our right to exploit the environment and other sentient beings for our sole benefit? We have misused the name of science in our misguided pursuit of improving our quality of life. Such a cold and egocentric kind of science is untenable in the long run. It is time to rethink our place in the universe and treat all sentient beings as equals.
Nevertheless, in a world griped by numerous grave problems such as global warming, climate change, pandemics, wars, impending oil, food and water shortages, science remains our best hope of solving them. Green technology, a field which I am personally interested in, holds the promise of ameliorating environmental problems such as global warming and pollution. Clean, renewable alternative sources of energy such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power will not only help avert the impending energy crisis due to declining reserves of non-renewable fossil fuels, but also shift the balance of the control of energy resources away from the hands of a few countries to the rest of the world, paving the way towards a more level global playing field and peaceful world where wars would no longer have to be waged over oil.
More than merely being a driver of technological improvement, science is also a candle in the dark which shines the path towards a more enlightened future. Science serves as a bulwark against blind faith and dogmatic mysticism. Entrenched ways of thinking and an aversion to trying out new ideas are impediments to alleviating the problems we face. The essence of science lies in the openness to new ideas and willingness to modify or discard old theories and ways of thinking in favour of more productive ones which are consistent with empirical observation, coupled with a healthy dose of scepticism and relentless scrutiny. Adopting such an attitude in tackling the global problems looming before us would enable us to find efficacious solutions. To quote the late astronomer and populariser of science, Carl Sagan, “Science by itself cannot advocate courses of human action, but it can certainly illuminate the possible consequences of alternative courses of action.”
The onslaught of progress and wave of change is inevitable. Instead of trying to resist it, we should embrace science as an impetus for change. Science is like a double-edge sword; it has the potential to do much good and help us build a better world, but if misused, it can spawn more problems and lead to deleterious consequences. What is clear is that science alone will not be the answer to all our problems. Science has to be checked by ethics and an appropriate amount of regulation. Unbridled pursuit of science and technology is dangerous, but so too is an overdose of moralistic or religiously-guided regulation which would only stifle the progress of science as well as our chance of finding solutions to tackle the problems we all face.
