Future Ramifications of Scientific Discoveries

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the future ramifications of the scientific innovations of today. The paper suggests that through the work of scientists, human comfort and happiness has increased greatly, however it also concedes that one cannot know if negative ramifications will result from scientific discoveries. The paper provides some examples of scientific developments that have negative ramifications today.

From the Paper:

"There is one area of concern that science cannot totally resolve, unless it builds a time machine and can go into the future. That is, what are the total ramifications that result from science's wonders? Albert Einstein did not consider nuclear bombs when coming up with the equation of E=mc2 He considered himself a pacifist, yet encouraged the building of the bomb for fear that the Germans would create it first. He was looking toward the future. As he wrote to physicist Niels Bohr in December 1944, "When the war is over, then there will be in all countries a pursuit of secret war preparations with technological means, which will lead inevitably to preventative wars and to destruction even more terrible than the present destruction of life" (Clark, 2007, pg. 698). Then, close to death he stated: "I made one great mistake in my life... when I signed the letter to President Roosevelt recommending that atom bombs be made; but there was some justification - the danger that the Germans would make them." (Clark, 2007, pg. 752)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clark, R. Einstein: The Life and Times. New York: Perennial, 2007
• Colborn, T., Dumanoski, D. and Myers, JP. Our Stolen Future. New York:Abacus, 1996.
• Gallopin, G.C., Funtowicz, S, O'Connor, M., and Ravetz, J. (2001) Science for the 21st century: from social contract to the scientific core. Int. Journal Social Science 168: 219-229
• Hughes, M. (November 27, 2007). "CU Doctor Works on Breast Cancer Vaccine." CBS4 Denver Online. 30 November 2007 http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_331120730.html
• Landsman, C. (December 4, 2005) "My cure for cancer, by the boy genius." Times online. 30 November 2007 Landesmanhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/features/article749260. ece

More papers on Future Ramifications of Scientific Discoveries:

• Book Review # 96594 : "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions"--A Review"
• Essay # 61454 : "Kuhn s Structure of Scientific Revolutions"
• Analytical Essay # 126458 : "Newton: Father of Scientific Revolution"

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