Discuss the Relationship between Science and Ethics - Essay Example

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND ETHICS Discuss the relationship between Science and Ethics Name: Institution: Abstract This essay discusses the relationship between ethics and science. Main focus of the essay is to consider the findings of two books, i.e., Einstein, history, and other passions and science without limits. Science is powerful yet misunderstood and ethics are not being implemented. However, Ethics and Science are inseparable entities. No one can be trusted in isolation. The main idea is that the world of logic and systematic learning is incomplete without the ethical justification and understanding of humanity. For the balance of our world and power, both ought to work in collaboration. Discuss the relationship between Science and Ethic We envision our world as beautiful, modern, high-tech and smart, but suddenly there appear images of bombings, terrorist attacks, violence, crime, increasing population and environmental concerns. What is going on in the world? Are we developing as human or deteriorating? Does this scientific and technological advancement made us better humans? And is there really any relationship exists between science and ethics anyway? According to Msn Encarta, Science is, “study of physical and natural world and phenomena, especially by using systematic observation and experiment”, and Ethics is, “A system of moral principles governing the appropriate conduct for a person or group”. Perlman (1994) stated science is not a cut-and-dried proposition. It is not technology alone. Nor is it merely a set of equations by and for a small group of eggheads. It is a dynamic interplay between man and his surroundings, embodying his attempts to understand, anticipate, and cope with natural events. Science arose out of our efforts to survive, our natural curiosity, and our search for order in seemingly capricious, hostile world. Like art or government, science is human enterprise that reflects man. Knowledge and perspective of science in relation to other human endeavors are vital to the future of our culture. (p.1) Science and technology deeply influenced our culture and understanding of life. Perlman found science to be dynamic, in search of order and systematic, open-minded and critical in approach which is based on evidence (1995, p.16). It is more than merely fact finding, technology and gadgets. The idea of science as a basic part of our intellectual tradition will not be rejected any longer. Scientific findings have become human extensions. However, no realm of knowledge can be trusted in isolation, be it science, art, imagination, philosophy or religion (Perlman, 1995, p.17).So is the case with science and ethics which indispensable to each other. Von Mises stated, “We expect from the future that to an ever-increasing extent scientific knowledge, i.e., knowledge formulated in a connectable manner, will regulate life and the conduct of man” (as cited in Holton, 2000, p.17).In book 7 of the republic, Socrates found, the merger of scientific and philosophical knowledge is the easiest way for the soul to becoming truth and being(as cited in Holton,2000,p.41).He also states that we are slaves to numerical aspects of reality which has deprived us with the realization of qualitative aspects of life and values which results in the lack of ethics(55). Over a period of time some general view points have developed to define science as unethical, it is perceived to be an act with the double benefit; it helps human mind to search the truth and to provide the required force to actually implement it effectively (Holton, 2000, p.40).This understanding of science has missed the impacts of science on our culture and ideology. Basic knowledge of science has enriched our way of thinking and equipped us to learn about other fields of study in a better way. Holton (2000) stated it gave some cultural vocabulary to provide it metaphysical, philosophical and ideological base. It resulted in the improved and developed ways to argument and its conception which diffused in society from the upper to lower strata. Today, we owe a great deal of our information and tools for thought to the basic knowledge of science, i.e., centripetal and centrifugal forces, feedback, conditions of equilibrium, complementarity and conservation laws. (p.43) Holton also described the image of science to be perceived as iconoclastic. Therefore, advancements in science are misunderstood as an impediment to religion. It is may be due to the fact that science provided the answers to question which ancient people used to prove the existence of divine power(44).In border perspective, the scientific way to telling the truth is more logical and ethical. It is also perceived that, “Scientific morality is inherently negative” (Holton, 2000, p.).The argument to support this stance is its impact; it has power which corrupted human life. Art, culture social life and even human nature is mutilated by the steps taken through this force. Nuclear weapons, arms and ammunition are another identity of science which has no link with ethics and moral values. People perceive it as cruel and insane. This point of view is comparatively logical and based on experiences in today’s world of oppression. Though, it is misuse of scientific knowledge and the whole activity has perverted the soul of science. On the other hand, if we observe deeply, it has always happened, people killed each other for resources but it has never been so destructive and inescapable. However, Holton (2000) stated, this perception is not limited to science but against thinker and innovators of all the times (45).Social barriers, culture and biases have been a barrier for creativity, imagination and innovative ideas. Science is particularly a target because it has turned the world over; fast production, communication, distribution made the world a global village. This situation has caused a threat for cultures, traditions and individual identity for people living on earth from thousand of years. No nation can now isolate her from rest of the world; the feeling of being exploited is gaining ground as they think the science can only serve stable economies and rest of the world is being cursed by the abuses of it. Underdeveloped countries are facing worst of all times; poverty, unemployment and hunger is giving rise to be exploited by the mighty players. World is facing inescapable dilemma of science today, i.e., terrorism! Crime and terrorist activities has nothing to do with moral values and ethics; it is creating anxiety, fear and depression which people indirectly link with development in science. Better medicines, vaccines, food, technologies can be approached by rich only but poor face terrorist attacks in their places. Environmental concerns and ecological imbalance is another major concern today. On the other hand, Holton (2000) argued that scientists have no control over the use or misuse of their discoveries; it is merely the responsibility of ethics, politics and economy to shape the value system of society (46).To initiate a change, balance of belief and ideas is the only way to a stable society (48). It is awfully suggested that temporary suspension of scientific activities may stop this devastating advancement until social, ethical and spiritual capabilities of human reach up to that level. Keeping this whole criticism over science aside, let us talk about ethics and philosophy, Holton stated (2000) “Most of the horrors of history have been carried out under the banner of some philosophy, from Aztec mass sacrifices to auto-da-fe of inquisition, from massacre of the Huguenots to the Nazi gas chambers” (p.49). He argues that in past, most of the societies failed in providing the fair share to everyone. There is nothing wrong if some societies on basis of science, are reconsidering their stance over the bases of social authority and philosophy (49). There should be a reconsideration and reexamination of the false basis of ethical perceptions in order to get healthier and prosperous societies. Science and ethics are inevitable and incomplete without each other. It is the high time to get out of relativity of social values and misuse of science in order to strike a balance for humanity. According to Holton, “All philosophies share with science the need to work with concepts such as space, time, quantity, matter, order, law, causality, verification and reality”(2000,p.43).Teilhard de Chardin rightly stated, “The universe as we know it is a joint product of the observer and the observed” (as cited in Perlman, 1995, p.1). Relationship of science and ethics can not be denied for a peaceful world. Power always comes with responsibility, and this mighty giant of science can only be tamed by the chains of ethics and moral values otherwise we will soon see an irreversible and massive destruction. References Holton, T., (2000).Einstein, History, and other passions. USA: Harvard University Press. Perlman, J., (1995).Science Without Limits. Buffalo: Prometheus Books. Read More