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Today science and technology are playing a key role in every sphere of human life. Science and technology have revolutionized education, health, transportation, communication, economy, governance, banking, defense, information and many other spheres of human life. If a wise man of five hundred years ago could come to the modern world, he would be amazed and bewildered to see our progress.
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Science has given us a lot but science and technology are also blamed for many issues like global warming, environment degradation, the weapon of mass destruction, commodification of life forms and degradation of values in society. However, science and technology should not be blamed for these vices as they are the result of our greed, hatred, irresponsible and selfish behavior. Let us discuss some achievements of science and technology to make it clear.
Before the advancement of the agriculture and healthcare facilities the rate of mortality was higher. Scientific researches in medical and healthcare facilities have increased life expectancy. With progress of agriculture science it became possible to feed every hungry person on this planet. During the first half of 19th century, the average life expectancy in India was just around 30 years. Now, it is around 70 years. Was it possible without the progress of science and technology? Increasing life expectancy also has a harmful effect. It has increased the population of India and other developing countries too much. But, overpopulation could have been checked in time if people were educated and small family norms were applied in these countries.
With the scientific progress, environment destruction and problem of pollution and global warming has increased to the dangerous level. However, it was the science which warned us against the harmful effect of many technologies. So, CFC has been banned in many countries as it was found responsible for ozone layer depletion. Green technologies are being discovered to cope with the problem of environmental degradation. With nano-technology and forestation, we can easily solve the problem of pollution and global warming.
Nuclear technology can be used to make atom bombs and also generate energy. It depends on us how we use it. Nuclear weapons are dangerous for the stability of our planet but it is also true that their existence stopped big countries to instigate destructive wars.
Information technology has made it possible for us to get information all over the world with just a click of the mouse or touching our Smartphone. Many people are abusing these things but it is their fault. Science and technology cannot be blamed for this irresponsible behavior.
In a nutshell, we can say that science and technology has done good as well as harm. However, our greed, reckless selfish behavior and arrogance have destroyed this planet to a great extent. In pursuit of materialistic prosperity, we are doing everything that is badly affecting our rivers, water sources, oceans, forest, flora and fauna and every aspect of our life and nature. Science and technology have no purpose. Science is neutral. It is a tool like a razor blade with which one can shave his beard or slit someone’s throat. One can kill people with a gun or protect them with it. It all depends on us how we use science and technology. If science is used for destructive purposes, we will only receive destruction and chaos. If it is used for the welfare of all, it can be a boon for us.