Reflection Task 1. The Medawar Lecture ‘Is Science Dangerous?

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Module 1 Section 1. Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Name: DE MESA, Michael John L.

Course/Section: GED104/ A22 Date Submitted: May 26, 2019

ANSWERS TO MRR QUESTIONS:

1. The author argued that scientific knowledge can be acquired without the standing of the values. As
the pieces of information known to be consistent with reality, science explains how the world works
and scientists prevent their scientific inquiry from being influenced by morality and ethics, in order
for it to be more dependable. If science is applied in technology, then moral and ethical
considerations may come into play. These considerations may arise in doing the scientific research
to be aware of the impact of utilizing such technology in the environment. However, his argument
may be a dangerous mindset for the world to risk their lives for conducting scientific research and
development without considering values such as social responsibility and wisdom. Scientists are not
always free to conduct experiments for them to follow their mindset in their ambition toward
discovery of new things.

2. Conflation of science and technology is a serious problem as stressed by the author because modern
technology is so much dependent on the fundamental concepts, principles, and laws in science
which may generate dangers and ethical issues. Based on the article, dangers and ethical issues may
arise when science is applied in technology. These issues serve as distractions from the real problems
in the society. The people may fear from introducing the development of new technologies that are
supposed to resolve real problems and not bring destruction to the planet.

On the other hand, it may contribute much of the misleading representation of the role of science
in the real world. There is no route for science to new technology because it cannot answer
everything without academic curiosity. Technology itself was made by chance (imaginative trial and
error) and science has no contribution at it before the modern times. Due to the unexpected
inventions, it is not still guaranteed that these inventions may really help or harm the society and
the environment.
3. There is a need to encourage ordinary citizens to learn more about science because they need to be
aware what’s happening around the world – implications generated and problems arised by this field
as the world develops its application for the future. It is necessary to pay attention on the
interactions of this field in various aspects of human life (social, political, economic, environmental,
etc.). Consumers obviously benefit from goods and services provided by science to supply their need
and wants. Having a basic level of understanding in science is crucial for critizens to engage in
national conversatons about science-related issues. Ignorance will not really help in acquiring
scientifc knowledge and developing technology effectively. By public and private support, the
developers may bolster their research and development to address much of the problems and
challenges that the society faces, no matter the cost.