The Purpose of Science.
- Thread starter milefile
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Sage
Staff Emeritus
- 12,533
- United States
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Science should be finding out as much as we can possibly find out. Simple as that.
Of course, that'll benefit mankind, since "being in the dark" doesn't help anybody at all (except those who succumb to the phrase "igorance is bliss").
And, of course, we can use science to make technology!
Of course, that'll benefit mankind, since "being in the dark" doesn't help anybody at all (except those who succumb to the phrase "igorance is bliss").
And, of course, we can use science to make technology!
- 1,785
Scientists will study anything and try to create anything in the world just so they can have the title as the first person to whatever they have done. But i thinkg they should be working on problems that we have in this world that would benifit us as humans.
Take clones for instance are clones really needed at this time or was it just a company trying clone the first person just for that title of being the first company to clone a human.
Take clones for instance are clones really needed at this time or was it just a company trying clone the first person just for that title of being the first company to clone a human.
- 24,344
- Midlantic Area
- GTP_Duke
On the original subject of the role of science, here's what I think. My first post is about halfway down page 5 of this monster historic thread. It doesn't answer the question precisely, but that and the following lengthy discussion tells you what I think on the subject.
I thought the whole purpose of science was to collect and analyse data to describe the world we live in.
Alternatively, Edward de Bono described it as "The purpose of science is not to analyse or describe but to make useful models of the world. A model is useful if it allows us to get use out of it."
That strikes me more as an application of science - in that scientific research is used to develop models. I guess you could say that this is an ultimate purpose.
Alternatively, Edward de Bono described it as "The purpose of science is not to analyse or describe but to make useful models of the world. A model is useful if it allows us to get use out of it."
That strikes me more as an application of science - in that scientific research is used to develop models. I guess you could say that this is an ultimate purpose.
- 209
Knowledge is a double edged sword. Science and knowledge will always have the ability to destroy, but it also has the ability to make our lives better. It is not the science itself, but how we use it.
- 209
Unfortunately, in our country, it's much easier to fund the military than it is to fund research. So, most of the advancements that eventually make it into hospitals and labs start in the military, like the Manhattan Project. Without military spending, the U.S. wouldn't have been able to attract the scientists who who on that project.
Fact is, the American people are much more willing to spend 50 billion dollars on 'defense' than 5 million on 'research'.
Fact is, the American people are much more willing to spend 50 billion dollars on 'defense' than 5 million on 'research'.
- 12,825
That's what I figured. I think it's insane, whereas a small country like the Netherlands is in uproar, when the defence department decides on purchasing a mere 15 Joint Strike Fighters. The people decided this was nonsense and this money could be much better spent.
Some societies, eh?
Now you know damn well that's not what I was thinking of.
I was actually thinking of the Curies when I wrote that.
The sad thing is, war does motivate many major advantages.
Two examples:
- radar - developed during WW2, major use now air traffic control
- you might want to do some research into what advances came from Nazi 'research' during WW2 - they did some indescribably hideous things to people that can never be defended on any reasonably basis, but advances on hypothermia, surgery, trauma, high altitude and rocketry have come from their work during WW2. How's that for an ethical dilemna?
So - what do we do? Ignore the research? Or do we dignify the lives of victims by using the research to save lives? It's a tough call, I agree.
- 10,832
Ummm... Purpose of science people. Remember? Thanks for leading yet another thread astray with your smug cynicism, Campbell. Your posts are so tired and predictable. You obviously desire conflict more than you desire knowledge; and a less observant person might even fall for your facade of already having some.
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Sorry, but few questions have absolute answers. Generally, answering one question means asking another. If you expect any discussion or debate to always follow the narrow track you have planned, you should prepare to be disappointed in the real world.
Or, if you don't like the answers, don't ask the questions.
Otherwise, if you just have a problem with me, then, well, good.
Or, if you don't like the answers, don't ask the questions.
Otherwise, if you just have a problem with me, then, well, good.
- 12,825
Isn't it true that they made penicilin out of musterdgas used in WW1? Or that the development of the ejectable pilot seat during WW2 lead to the discovery of G-forces and their effects on the body? - An English marine volunteraly underwent the pressure of 80G's (!!!) for the sake of science, how was he supposed to know it would crack his bones, or it would make his eyes nearly pop? I just don't believe that war may justify scientific breakthroughs, it's just another excuse. I believe that science would've discovered the existence of penicilin ans it's uses or the G-force example I gave, too, in a peaceful environment.
- 10,832
I do have a problem with you. I think you're a poser. I think you're not half as smart as you think you are. I think you go to great lengths to make convoluted arguments that go nowhere, and when you're about to be called on it, you start demanding "facts." I think you are fashionable, predictable, and base.
I also think I just wasted my last word on you. *Ignore*
- 209
Hmm. I guess some people who ask questions don't always like to hear the answers.
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