1) The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima demonstrated science's significant impact on human life and left people stunned, confused, and fearful of science's power.
2) There is a dilemma around whether science should be curbed or continue pursuing truth even if it risks destroying civilization with new discoveries like nuclear weapons.
3) While scientists cannot predict how their discoveries will be used, society must take responsibility for ensuring science is used constructively rather than destructively, as the main threat is war, not science itself.
A Dilemma: A Layman Looks at Science by Raymond B. FosdickDr Abhijeet Dawle
The document discusses the dilemma facing science in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It summarizes that the bombing stunned laypeople and made them realize how unequipped societies are to control the power of science. It presents the dilemma that the pursuit of truth through science has brought civilization to the brink of destruction by giving humanity the means to destroy itself. The author argues that science alone cannot be expected to restrain itself from discovery for moral reasons, but that societies must guide science's applications and stop war to avoid humanity's annihilation in an age when science enables unprecedented violence.
- The document discusses the dilemma faced by science after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Laymen are confused and troubled by the immense destructive power that science has placed in human hands without providing guidance on its ethical use.
- Scientists claim to pursue truth alone without responsibility for how discoveries may be used, but the author argues this is an irresponsible view given science's life-threatening capabilities.
- Ultimately, the author believes stopping war is more important than curbing science, and that responsibility lies with society and international cooperation, not scientists alone.
This document discusses the similarities and differences between literature and arts. It provides examples from two essays - one by Northrop Frye that supports the idea that literature and arts help understand ourselves and language, while one by Aaron Copland opposes this idea. While both essays discuss literature, they do so in different ways - one focuses on literature and English, while the other focuses on literature and music. The document also quotes Frye discussing how arts and sciences are different but also similar in some ways.
The Modern Renaissance Essay discusses how the Renaissance changed science, philosophy, religion, and art. It influenced people's lifestyles and thoughts through ideas like natural law from Humanists. People started studying ancient Greek and Latin thinkers, believing their ideas provided all one needed for an effective and moral life. This sparked a new intellectual era involving independent thinking. Art also became very popular, like Michelangelo's David statue. The scientific method encouraged discovery and invention, shifting focus from mechanical philosophy to evidence-based study. Many modern technologies have roots in Renaissance ideas.
The document discusses several topics at the intersection of science and society, including distinguishing science from pseudoscience, the responsibilities of scientists, debates around cloning and genetic modification, preventing scientific knowledge from being misused, and lessons about verifying sources on topics like global warming. It cautions readers to carefully evaluate sources, avoid quoting out of context, and watch for logical fallacies.
The document discusses how science can be seen as either a blessing or a curse, as it has revolutionized humanity with inventions like electricity but also enabled weapons development and pollution. While science has enabled progress, it also allows abuse if not used carefully, as technologies like TV can spread violence or the internet can spread pornography. Ultimately, whether science's effects are good or bad depends on how humans choose to apply scientific discoveries.
This reflective essay discusses a science lesson for first grade students about the differences between the sun and moon. The lesson involves hands-on exploration, questioning, teamwork, and developing vocabulary. It incorporates reading, writing, language arts, and science. The students will observe and compare the sun and moon, ask each other questions, and write a report. This lesson teaches specific details about celestial objects while building comprehension and writing skills.
Kim Solez Doomsday Clock Advances - Utopia, Apocalypse, Future Day 2015Kim Solez ,
Dr. Kim Solez presents "The Doomsday Clock Advances - Utopia, Apocalypse, and the Future" on Future Day March 1st, 2015, at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada in the course on Technology and the Future of Medicine LABMP 590 http://www.singularitycourse.com Copyright (c) 2015, JustMachines Inc.
A Dilemma: A Layman Looks at Science by Raymond B. FosdickDr Abhijeet Dawle
The document discusses the dilemma facing science in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It summarizes that the bombing stunned laypeople and made them realize how unequipped societies are to control the power of science. It presents the dilemma that the pursuit of truth through science has brought civilization to the brink of destruction by giving humanity the means to destroy itself. The author argues that science alone cannot be expected to restrain itself from discovery for moral reasons, but that societies must guide science's applications and stop war to avoid humanity's annihilation in an age when science enables unprecedented violence.
- The document discusses the dilemma faced by science after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Laymen are confused and troubled by the immense destructive power that science has placed in human hands without providing guidance on its ethical use.
- Scientists claim to pursue truth alone without responsibility for how discoveries may be used, but the author argues this is an irresponsible view given science's life-threatening capabilities.
- Ultimately, the author believes stopping war is more important than curbing science, and that responsibility lies with society and international cooperation, not scientists alone.
This document discusses the similarities and differences between literature and arts. It provides examples from two essays - one by Northrop Frye that supports the idea that literature and arts help understand ourselves and language, while one by Aaron Copland opposes this idea. While both essays discuss literature, they do so in different ways - one focuses on literature and English, while the other focuses on literature and music. The document also quotes Frye discussing how arts and sciences are different but also similar in some ways.
The Modern Renaissance Essay discusses how the Renaissance changed science, philosophy, religion, and art. It influenced people's lifestyles and thoughts through ideas like natural law from Humanists. People started studying ancient Greek and Latin thinkers, believing their ideas provided all one needed for an effective and moral life. This sparked a new intellectual era involving independent thinking. Art also became very popular, like Michelangelo's David statue. The scientific method encouraged discovery and invention, shifting focus from mechanical philosophy to evidence-based study. Many modern technologies have roots in Renaissance ideas.
The document discusses several topics at the intersection of science and society, including distinguishing science from pseudoscience, the responsibilities of scientists, debates around cloning and genetic modification, preventing scientific knowledge from being misused, and lessons about verifying sources on topics like global warming. It cautions readers to carefully evaluate sources, avoid quoting out of context, and watch for logical fallacies.
The document discusses how science can be seen as either a blessing or a curse, as it has revolutionized humanity with inventions like electricity but also enabled weapons development and pollution. While science has enabled progress, it also allows abuse if not used carefully, as technologies like TV can spread violence or the internet can spread pornography. Ultimately, whether science's effects are good or bad depends on how humans choose to apply scientific discoveries.
This reflective essay discusses a science lesson for first grade students about the differences between the sun and moon. The lesson involves hands-on exploration, questioning, teamwork, and developing vocabulary. It incorporates reading, writing, language arts, and science. The students will observe and compare the sun and moon, ask each other questions, and write a report. This lesson teaches specific details about celestial objects while building comprehension and writing skills.
Kim Solez Doomsday Clock Advances - Utopia, Apocalypse, Future Day 2015Kim Solez ,
Dr. Kim Solez presents "The Doomsday Clock Advances - Utopia, Apocalypse, and the Future" on Future Day March 1st, 2015, at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada in the course on Technology and the Future of Medicine LABMP 590 http://www.singularitycourse.com Copyright (c) 2015, JustMachines Inc.
Steven Greer - CE5-CSETI - 10. Talking Points for Educating Your CommunityExopolitics Hungary
1. Government leaders must discuss the confirmation of extraterrestrial contact with the public in a calm, reassuring manner to counter fearmongering and provide accurate information.
2. Talking points should emphasize that contact has been peaceful and holds potential benefits from new technologies and knowledge, while avoiding topics like hostile intentions or government conspiracies.
3. The goal is to foster hope and cooperation and avoid conflict by developing international policies and relations with visiting civilizations.
Ethics in Science Essay
Environmental Science Essay
Science and Religion Essays
Essay on Science in Society
Science Essay
Science
Value of Science Essay
Scientific Theory Essay
Value of Science Essay
The Scientific Method Essay
scientific literacy Essay
Essay on Forensic Science
Computer Science Essay
Science Essay
Scientific Theory Essay
Environmental Science Essay
Science Honor Society Essay
Reflective Essay On Science
My Passion For Science
Essay about Life Science
This document contains a collection of essays discussing various issues related to the development of artificial intelligence. In the first essay, the author argues that creating AI by integrating human brain parts (the "cyborg solution") presents clear dangers, as such a hybrid may inherit human traits like aggression, hatred and a desire for revenge or justice. The second essay discusses how diversity of ideas from different cultures and backgrounds will be important for innovation and the development of new species like AI. The third essay outlines three options for how AI may interact with humanity as a new emerging species: it could ignore humans, destroy humans, or parasitize humans.
Value of Science Essay
Essay on Science in Society
Reflective Essay On Science
Evolution of Science Essay
Science: Friend or Foe? Essays
Essay On Love Science
Essay on Science in Science Fiction
Environmental Science Essay
Science and Religion Essays
Science Is A Boon Or Bane?
some debate shit about women being leaders 3Alex Bong
The government argues that science is a threat to humanity for three main reasons:
1) Science widens gaps in human relationships and interactions by replacing physical relationships with electronic ones, causing isolation. It introduces new technologies that damage family and social ties.
2) Science manipulates life through activities like cloning and genetic manipulation that violate moral boundaries. It also causes harm to animals through testing.
3) Science enables greater destruction as seen in World Wars I and II through advanced weapons, and damages the environment through pollution from industrialization and energy production. The misuse of science itself creates environmental problems.
1) The document discusses how technology is transforming humanity and the world in profound ways. As technologies become more powerful, they allow for greater human enhancement and modification.
2) It analyzes how humanity has already significantly altered planetary systems and created an "Anthropocene" period defined by the dominant influence of human activity. Examples given include altering the Earth's radiation spectrum and significantly impacting climate and biodiversity.
3) The development of new technologies like synthetic biology is further blurring the boundaries between human, natural, and engineered systems. This is reconstruction humanity's relationship with nature and other lifeforms.
Essay on mahatma gandhi in english -300 Words - YouTube. Essay on Mahatma Gandhi [100, 150, 200, 300, 500 Words]. Relevance of Gandhian Principles in Today's World Essay for Students. Essay on Mahatma Gandhi In English.
School paper: Human evolution essay. Evolution of man short essays. Human Evolution Article. Evolution in Humans From the Ancient Days Article Example | Topics and .... Evolution The Core Theme Of Biology Essay - Theme Image. Essay On Human Evolution. Human Evolution Essay Example | StudyHippo.com. Business paper: Essay on human evolution. A Brief History of Human Evolution - Reading Comprehension Text .... COMPLETE GUIDE ON WRITING AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY ON EVOLUTION OF HUMAN B…. (PDF) On Human Evolution. Evolution of behavior sample essay. Creationism/Evolution essay - GCSE Science - Marked by Teachers.com. Evolution essay (Anthropology grade 11). A Brief Explanation of How Evolution Created Human Culture, essay by .... Theory of Evolution - Short Essay (500 Words) - PHDessay.com. History Of Human Evolution Graphic Diagram Flat Powerpoint Design .... Essay on Human Evolution.
This document discusses the concepts of human flourishing and science. It provides Aristotle's view of eudaimonia as the pinnacle of human happiness achieved through virtues and relationships. Today, human flourishing involves situating oneself in a global community and working towards common goals through coordination rather than competition. While science, technology, and innovation have expanded human knowledge and driven progress, they must be pursued holistically and sustainably for true human flourishing. The document cautions that unchecked growth and consumption of resources could threaten long-term human and environmental flourishing.
Why Ben Stein Is Wrong About History & ScienceJohn Lynch
This document contains excerpts from and commentary on Ben Stein's film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" which promotes intelligent design. The summary is:
1) Ben Stein argues in the film that Darwinism has led to problems in society and is taught as undisputed fact rather than theory.
2) Critics argue the film misappropriates Holocaust imagery to discredit evolution and that Darwinism cannot explain Hitler's actions.
3) The document provides counterarguments and recommends additional resources to get more perspectives on the intelligent design debate.
Brad Allenby gave a lecture on technology and the reconstruction of the world from human to transhuman. Some key points:
1) We live in an "Anthropocene" age dominated by human impacts like cities, technology, and cultural/economic systems that influence the planet. The earth's spectrum now carries our technological signature.
2) Technologies are integrated cultural processes, not just things, that drive wide-ranging social, economic, and environmental changes. The railroad is used as an example of a technology that transformed landscapes, markets, and ideas.
3) Emerging technologies like synthetic biology will further blur the lines between nature and culture, making biodiversity and biological systems increasingly subject to human design choices and
Funding Truth in the Media with its Fake NewsPaul H. Carr
What is truth?
"Truth is the confirmation of appearance to reality" Mathematician & Philosopher Alfred N. Whitehead
"Reality, when you stop believing it, does not go away."
Lucas Mix, Society of Ordained Scientists
Plato's allegory of the cave.
”The more perspectives we learn to see from, the more truth we have access to.” Nietzche, existential philosopher.
Never trust a single source.
Refereed academic papers have a higher level of truth.
Fake News Flies Faster
Whenever you repeat sensational, emotional FAKE NEWS, you become part of the problem.
"Living the truth: being our true selves" theologian Paul Tillich
Discover your lovable true self.
The danger of a single truth.
This document discusses and critiques the arguments made in the film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". It summarizes that the film inappropriately uses imagery from the Holocaust to discredit the scientific community's rejection of intelligent design theory. However, Darwinism and evolution cannot explain Hitler's genocide. Using the Holocaust in this way trivializes the complex factors that led to the mass murder of Jews in Europe during World War 2. The document criticizes how the film misappropriates the Holocaust for its political goals of promoting intelligent design.
This presentation was provided by Steph Pollock of The American Psychological Association’s Journals Program, and Damita Snow, of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for the initial session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session One: 'Setting Expectations: a DEIA Primer,' was held June 6, 2024.
This presentation includes basic of PCOS their pathology and treatment and also Ayurveda correlation of PCOS and Ayurvedic line of treatment mentioned in classics.
Steven Greer - CE5-CSETI - 10. Talking Points for Educating Your CommunityExopolitics Hungary
1. Government leaders must discuss the confirmation of extraterrestrial contact with the public in a calm, reassuring manner to counter fearmongering and provide accurate information.
2. Talking points should emphasize that contact has been peaceful and holds potential benefits from new technologies and knowledge, while avoiding topics like hostile intentions or government conspiracies.
3. The goal is to foster hope and cooperation and avoid conflict by developing international policies and relations with visiting civilizations.
Ethics in Science Essay
Environmental Science Essay
Science and Religion Essays
Essay on Science in Society
Science Essay
Science
Value of Science Essay
Scientific Theory Essay
Value of Science Essay
The Scientific Method Essay
scientific literacy Essay
Essay on Forensic Science
Computer Science Essay
Science Essay
Scientific Theory Essay
Environmental Science Essay
Science Honor Society Essay
Reflective Essay On Science
My Passion For Science
Essay about Life Science
This document contains a collection of essays discussing various issues related to the development of artificial intelligence. In the first essay, the author argues that creating AI by integrating human brain parts (the "cyborg solution") presents clear dangers, as such a hybrid may inherit human traits like aggression, hatred and a desire for revenge or justice. The second essay discusses how diversity of ideas from different cultures and backgrounds will be important for innovation and the development of new species like AI. The third essay outlines three options for how AI may interact with humanity as a new emerging species: it could ignore humans, destroy humans, or parasitize humans.
Value of Science Essay
Essay on Science in Society
Reflective Essay On Science
Evolution of Science Essay
Science: Friend or Foe? Essays
Essay On Love Science
Essay on Science in Science Fiction
Environmental Science Essay
Science and Religion Essays
Science Is A Boon Or Bane?
some debate shit about women being leaders 3Alex Bong
The government argues that science is a threat to humanity for three main reasons:
1) Science widens gaps in human relationships and interactions by replacing physical relationships with electronic ones, causing isolation. It introduces new technologies that damage family and social ties.
2) Science manipulates life through activities like cloning and genetic manipulation that violate moral boundaries. It also causes harm to animals through testing.
3) Science enables greater destruction as seen in World Wars I and II through advanced weapons, and damages the environment through pollution from industrialization and energy production. The misuse of science itself creates environmental problems.
1) The document discusses how technology is transforming humanity and the world in profound ways. As technologies become more powerful, they allow for greater human enhancement and modification.
2) It analyzes how humanity has already significantly altered planetary systems and created an "Anthropocene" period defined by the dominant influence of human activity. Examples given include altering the Earth's radiation spectrum and significantly impacting climate and biodiversity.
3) The development of new technologies like synthetic biology is further blurring the boundaries between human, natural, and engineered systems. This is reconstruction humanity's relationship with nature and other lifeforms.
Essay on mahatma gandhi in english -300 Words - YouTube. Essay on Mahatma Gandhi [100, 150, 200, 300, 500 Words]. Relevance of Gandhian Principles in Today's World Essay for Students. Essay on Mahatma Gandhi In English.
School paper: Human evolution essay. Evolution of man short essays. Human Evolution Article. Evolution in Humans From the Ancient Days Article Example | Topics and .... Evolution The Core Theme Of Biology Essay - Theme Image. Essay On Human Evolution. Human Evolution Essay Example | StudyHippo.com. Business paper: Essay on human evolution. A Brief History of Human Evolution - Reading Comprehension Text .... COMPLETE GUIDE ON WRITING AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY ON EVOLUTION OF HUMAN B…. (PDF) On Human Evolution. Evolution of behavior sample essay. Creationism/Evolution essay - GCSE Science - Marked by Teachers.com. Evolution essay (Anthropology grade 11). A Brief Explanation of How Evolution Created Human Culture, essay by .... Theory of Evolution - Short Essay (500 Words) - PHDessay.com. History Of Human Evolution Graphic Diagram Flat Powerpoint Design .... Essay on Human Evolution.
This document discusses the concepts of human flourishing and science. It provides Aristotle's view of eudaimonia as the pinnacle of human happiness achieved through virtues and relationships. Today, human flourishing involves situating oneself in a global community and working towards common goals through coordination rather than competition. While science, technology, and innovation have expanded human knowledge and driven progress, they must be pursued holistically and sustainably for true human flourishing. The document cautions that unchecked growth and consumption of resources could threaten long-term human and environmental flourishing.
Why Ben Stein Is Wrong About History & ScienceJohn Lynch
This document contains excerpts from and commentary on Ben Stein's film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" which promotes intelligent design. The summary is:
1) Ben Stein argues in the film that Darwinism has led to problems in society and is taught as undisputed fact rather than theory.
2) Critics argue the film misappropriates Holocaust imagery to discredit evolution and that Darwinism cannot explain Hitler's actions.
3) The document provides counterarguments and recommends additional resources to get more perspectives on the intelligent design debate.
Brad Allenby gave a lecture on technology and the reconstruction of the world from human to transhuman. Some key points:
1) We live in an "Anthropocene" age dominated by human impacts like cities, technology, and cultural/economic systems that influence the planet. The earth's spectrum now carries our technological signature.
2) Technologies are integrated cultural processes, not just things, that drive wide-ranging social, economic, and environmental changes. The railroad is used as an example of a technology that transformed landscapes, markets, and ideas.
3) Emerging technologies like synthetic biology will further blur the lines between nature and culture, making biodiversity and biological systems increasingly subject to human design choices and
Funding Truth in the Media with its Fake NewsPaul H. Carr
What is truth?
"Truth is the confirmation of appearance to reality" Mathematician & Philosopher Alfred N. Whitehead
"Reality, when you stop believing it, does not go away."
Lucas Mix, Society of Ordained Scientists
Plato's allegory of the cave.
”The more perspectives we learn to see from, the more truth we have access to.” Nietzche, existential philosopher.
Never trust a single source.
Refereed academic papers have a higher level of truth.
Fake News Flies Faster
Whenever you repeat sensational, emotional FAKE NEWS, you become part of the problem.
"Living the truth: being our true selves" theologian Paul Tillich
Discover your lovable true self.
The danger of a single truth.
This document discusses and critiques the arguments made in the film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". It summarizes that the film inappropriately uses imagery from the Holocaust to discredit the scientific community's rejection of intelligent design theory. However, Darwinism and evolution cannot explain Hitler's genocide. Using the Holocaust in this way trivializes the complex factors that led to the mass murder of Jews in Europe during World War 2. The document criticizes how the film misappropriates the Holocaust for its political goals of promoting intelligent design.
This presentation was provided by Steph Pollock of The American Psychological Association’s Journals Program, and Damita Snow, of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for the initial session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session One: 'Setting Expectations: a DEIA Primer,' was held June 6, 2024.
This presentation includes basic of PCOS their pathology and treatment and also Ayurveda correlation of PCOS and Ayurvedic line of treatment mentioned in classics.
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
Main Java[All of the Base Concepts}.docxadhitya5119
This is part 1 of my Java Learning Journey. This Contains Custom methods, classes, constructors, packages, multithreading , try- catch block, finally block and more.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
Natural birth techniques - Mrs.Akanksha Trivedi Rama University
A DILEMMA.docx
1. A DILEMMA
(A LEYMAN LOOKS AT SCIENCE )
AUGUST6, 1945 - The day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima -
broughthome to all of us in a dramatic fashion the significance of science in
human life. The impact of that bomb has left us stunned and confused.
Certainly we laymen are frightened by science as wenever were before, And
certainly too, we are bewildered by the power which science has suddenly
placed in our laps-bewildered and humbled by our realization of how
unequipped we are, in terms of ethics, law, and government, to know how to
use it.
That, I think, is the firstreaction of a layman to the stupendous repercussion of
that bomb on Hiroshima. And the firstquestion that comes to his mind is this:
what useare radio and automobiles and penicillin and all the other gifts of
science if at the same time this samescience hands us the means by which we
can blow ourselves and our civilization into drifting dust? We have always been
inclined to think research and technology as being consciously related to
human welfare. Now, frankly,wearenot so sure, and we are deeply troubled,
by the realization that man's brain can create things which his will may not be
able to control.
To the layman it seems as if science were facing a vastdilemma. Science is the
search for truth, and it is based on the glorious faith that truth is worth
discovering. Itsprings fromthenoblest attribute of the human spirit. But it is
this same search for truth that has brought our civilization to the brink of
destruction; and we are confronted by the tragic irony that when we have
been most successfulin pushing out the boundaries of knowledge, we have
most endangered the possibility of human life on this planet. The pursuit of
truth has at last led us to the tools by which we can ourselves becomethe
destroyers of our own institutions and all the bright hopes of the race. In this
situation what do we do - curb our science or cling to the pursuitof truth and
run the risk of having our society torn to pieces?
Itis on the basis of this dilemma that serious questions are forming in the
public mind Unless research is linked to a human and constructivepurpose,
should it not be subjectto somekind of restraint? Can our scientists afford to
be concerned solely with fact and not at all with value and purpose? Can they
2. legitimately claim that their only aim is the advancement of knowledge
regardless of its consequences? Is thelayman justified in saying to the
scientists: 'We look to you to distinguish between that truth which furthers the
well-being of mankind and that truth which threatens it." One of the scientists
who played a leading role in the development of the atomic bomb said to the
newspapermen: 'A scientistcannot hold back progress becauseof fears of
what the world will do with his discoveries'. Whathe apparently implied was
the science has no responsibility in the matter, and that it will plunge ahead in
the pursuitof truth even if the process leaves the world in dustand ashes.
Is that the final answer? Is thereno other answer? Frankly, as a layman, I do
not know. Off hand, this disavowalof concern seems callous and irresponsible.
But we may be facing a situation where no other answer is realistic or possible.
To ask the scientist to foreseethe use - the good or evil of the use - to which
his resultmay be put is doubtless beyond the realm of the attainable. Almost
any discovery can be used for either social or anti-social purposes. TheGerman
dye industry was notcreated to deal with either medicine or weapons of war;
and yet out of that industry came our sulphur drugs and mustard gas. When
Einstein wrote his famous transformation equation in 1905 hewas not thinking
of the atomic bomb, but out of the equation came one of the principles upon
which the bomb was based.
Willard Gibbs was a gentle spirit whoselife was spent in his laboratory at Yale
University, and who never dreamed that his work in mathematical physics
might have even a remote relationship to war; and yet it is safe to say that his
ideas gave added power to the armaments of all nations in both World War I
and World War II. I suspectthatthe way out of the dilemma is not as simple as
the questions now being asked seem to imply. The good and the evil that flow
fromscientific research are more often than not indistinguishable at the point
of origin. Generally they are by products, or they representdistortions of
original purpose, noneof which could have been foreseen when the initial
discovery was made. We are driven back to a question of human motives and
desires. Science has recently given us radar, jetpropulsion and power sources
of unprecedented magnitude. Whatdoes society want to do with them? It can
use them constructively to increases the happiness of mankind or it can
employ them to tear the world to pieces. There is scarcely a scientific formula
or a process or a commodity which cannotbe used for war purposes, if that is
what weelect to do with it. In brief, the gifts of science can be used by evil
3. men to do evil even more obviously and dramatically than they can be used by
men of goodwill to do good.
I fear there is no easy way out of our dilemma. I would not absolvethe
scientists fromsome measureof responsibility, for they are men of superior
training and insightand we are entitled to look to them for help and leadership
more help and leadership, I venture to add, than havethus far been given.
However, I note that a considerable number of scientists who were connected
with the atomic bomb project have publicly expressed their apprehension of
the consequences of their own creation. 'All of us who worked on the atomic
bomb,'said Dr Allison of the University of Chicago, 'had a momentary feeling of
elation when our experiment met with success; butthat feeling rapidly
changed to a feeling of horror, and a fervent desire that no more bombs would
be dropped. Nevertheless, in the long run I do not believe that we shallbe
successfulin making science the arbiter of its discoveries. Somehow or other
society itself mustassumethat responsibility. The towering enemy of mankind
is not science but war. Science merely reflects the social forces by which it is
surrounded. When there is peace, science is constructive; when there is war,
science is perverted to destructiveends. The weapons which science gives us
do not necessarily create war; they make war increasingly more terrible, until
now it has broughtus to the doorstep of doom.
Our main problem therefore, but to stop war to substitutelaw for force and
international governmentfor one nation with another. That is a job in which
everybody mustparticipate, including the scientists. But the bomb on
Hiroshima suddenly wokeus up to the fact that we have very little time. The
hour is late and our work has scarcely begun. Now we areface to face with this
urgent question: 'Can education and tolerance and understanding and creative
intelligence run fast enough to keep us abreastwith or own mounting capacity
to destroy? That is the question which we shall have to answer one way or
another in this generation. Science musthelp us in the answer, butthe main
decision lies within ourselves.