Week 7
Topic: Ethical Issues in Science and Development
Introduction
Over the years science has developed many processes and products which have conferred on the subject the formidable stature it has at the present time. Science could be used productively, such as in the production of food, curing of diseases, earning income for nations and individuals, gainful employment, etc. Science could be used destructively, such as in atomic bomb production, poisons, nuclear war, production of weapons of war and mass destruction, abortions, etc. The view of science, even in the circumstances given above as either productive or destructive, depends on which side one is considering. It should be emphasized here that when a scientist invents or discovers a thing, he/she does not do it with the intention of causing harm or fear. He does it to reveal or document what is possible or what has been happening.
Meaning of Right and Wrong Application of Science
It is sometimes very difficult to classify an application of science as right or wrong. For example, can we say it is right or wrong for women to abort unwanted pregnancies which might have occurred as a result of rape?
- The right application of science from a moral perspective is when the application is used to engender the development of society, such as provision of shelter, improvement of living conditions, improving life expectancy, fighting diseases, producing gadgets that can generate income and employment for the nation and its citizens.
- Wrong use would include any use that will lead to dehumanising individuals or groups or cause death and suffering. Any use that does not recognize the sacredness of life is a wrong use.
Implications
- Some applications of science are harmful to individuals and even to society. Such applications ought to be controlled. For example, uncontrolled use of drugs leads to drug abuse. This may ruin the individual drug user and may lead to committing serious crimes in society.
- Children may learn new things and negative vocabulary from watching films. However, watching late night films can lead to children being corrupt or commit themselves to premature and unsafe sexual practices.
Adverse Effects on the Country
Wrong application of science can lead a country to undue loss of revenue, especially when lots of citizens spend their resources to buy foreign films and gamble on the internet. Such practices may also result in increasing number of maladjusted citizens.
