All the problems established and discussed in earlier articles are not flaws in science. Science, like any form of study, is a tool. Like any tool, it can be misused. A scythe, for instance, can be used to harvest crops or to kill a man, but it is not the scythe itself that determines its use but the hand that wields it. As an abstract and standalone concept science is not at all flawed but in fact stems from one of the best characteristics of the human species; the innate imperative to question and to understand.
The Problem with Science
At the same time it is human applicationthat has perverted science and bestowed upon it the flaws often cited by critics. Where science is rational, humans are violent. Where science examines and decides, humans react without thought of consequence. Perhaps rather than considering how closely scientific method should be held in check by humanity, it would be of greater benefit to examine how much more humanity should be held in check by scientific method.
Controlling Mankind with Science
Unfortunately, since the human animal has proven time and again his incapability of moving beyond an impetuous, violent and reckless state, this may well never be possible. As scientific development continues while human nature remains largely static, the animal will doubtless continue to pervert its new heights of knowledge to more all encompassing methods of self-destruction. What, then, is the answer?
Should we Abandon Science?
Perhaps all scientific research should be abandoned to give humans time to mature to a point where they are worthy to undertake its pursuit without the risk of destroying themselves and everything around them. Of course this will never happen. Religion and other similar ideas continue to provide a space filler, a standby, a way to 'explain' phenomena that science as of yet cannot, but in the modern age this is not enough.
Human Curiosity and Hope
Built right into human nature along with chaos and bestiality is curiosity, nihilism going hand in hand with a deep-set craving to discover that there is some greater purpose to life than life itself. Perhaps the best that can be hoped for is for the human race to survive its own nature long enough for its temperament and ideals to catch up with its ever-expanding knowledge of the universe. As for whether this hope is in vain or not, only time can tell.
Previous articles in this set (all by the same author on Suite 101)
Is Knowledge Scientific or Religious?
Religion's Opposition to Scientific Progress
Scientific Advancements Made During War
