Science: A Menace To Civilisation?

More than a century ago, men thought of flying as merely a fantasy, and a joke. Back then, whenever people had minor infections, they suffered amputations of their appendages. However today, anaesthesia and advancements in medical sciences has allowed curing illnesses, diseases and infections to be made safe and possible. Commercial airliners, jet planes and space shuttles roam the borderless space above the ground, and satellites thousands of kilometres up in space connect everyone around the world into one seamless world – the Internet. Science is progressing at an alarmingly fast rate; just ten years ago, people were staring into bricks they called the “computer”. Back then, it was a man-made marvel, as it could perform hundreds of calculations per second. In modern times, many large commercial technology-based companies compete for the top spot in the industry. Microsoft, Apple, IBM… the list goes on; these companies develop revolutionary technology that turns heads. Computers can now perform millions of calculations per second easily, and with integrated technology like the USB and graphic cards, computers are no longer “super(large)-calculators”, they are men’s best friend – entertainment, information, service, all packed into one nifty little box. As science advances, Artificial Intelligence is also developed. As technology progresses, powerful nuclear weapon are developed and utilised in warfare. Such developments lead to one question: Is science a menace to civilisation?

Centuries ago when gunpowder was first invented, many nations utilised it to gain sovereign power over the lands. Killing people had never been so easy – bullets travelled at such high speed it could kill with one single shot. Compared to modern times, nuclear warheads could easily annihilate a whole nation. Bombs and missiles had the capability of levelling millions of square miles of land easily, equating to millions of lost civilian life. Even so, scientist still set on a mission to discover even more dangerous alternatives to this. Why do they do so? Because it is in men’s nature to fight; it is in men’s nature to be the strongest; it is in men’s nature to want everything. The current total amount of nuclear weaponry in existence is more than enough to wipe out the whole entire Earth; in fact, it is enough to wipe out another 50 easily. Yet, the mystery of nations creating more nuclear weaponry is inconclusive, but I believe that this whole problem lies with numbers. It is analogous to little kids comparing who had more candy. One boasts to the other his hand, directly taunting his friend. His friend responds by buying more candy and boasting back. The game of tug-and-war is blatantly obvious in our modern world. America builds hundreds of nuclear warheads, and Russia responds back by constructing more than what America possesses. The sole purpose of this game is to make peace; however, I do not feel that this leads to peace. Why can’t these nations put away their nuclear warheads and make peace, instead of holding guns at each other’s temples and calling quits. Also, present “freedom fighters”, also known as terrorists, can easily buy weapons and ammunition from external sellers. Advancement in technology and science effectively meant that supply of such weaponry has increased, and is more available to the “bad guys” as it is available to the “good guys”. Because of this, I feel that science and technology poses a threat to civilisation.

However, advancement in science and technology has led to revolutionary changes in how doctors and scientists look at viruses, diseases and mutations. Gone are the days of painful amputation due to an inflamed limb. Nowadays, cures can easily be found, and many diseases can be countered. Not only has this increased chances of survival for civilisation, it has also increases lifestyle of many people around the world. This goes to show that science and technology can be put to good use as well. Also, technological advancement has led to the globalisation of the world. Every part of the world is accessible by land transport, air transport and sea transport. Goods can be transported in the whim to maintain freshness and to appeal to the customers. Decades ago, people had to travel by boat for months to reach a destination hundreds of miles away. Nowadays, this can be done in hours. The Internet serves as a platform for millions of people around the world to communicate, disseminate and share information. Books can be replaced by the “e-book”, while games can be played with others around the world. Such convenience brought about by science and technology also goes to show that science and technology is beneficial to civilisation.

Advancements in science and technology have also widened the range of entertainment that is available. Online games that can be played with others around the world have become very popular amongst our society. Cinemas and movie theatres are also erected for people to screen movies. Such advancements has allowed our society to keep in touch, updated and entertained.

In conclusion, I feel that science and technology serve for a greater good. Indeed, science and technology has posed as a danger to civilisation as nuclear weapons are exploited. However, science and technology has led to many breakthroughs as well brought about many advantages. Advancement of science and technology has greatly affected our lives by making our way of life better, hence I am more inclined in thinking that science and technology is more good than it is bad.