Introduction
When industrial revolution started in England in the period between 18th and 19th century, the aim was to make work easier and increase the agricultural output, the main economic activity by then. However, as time progressed more and more technology was invented which was both beneficial and harmful to the human race. For example, in the late 19thand early 20th century man was able to make cars and airplanes which reduced the amount of time spent moving from one point to another.
On the contrary, advances in science and technology have been detrimental to human existence because weapons of mass destruction have been made. For instance, during the World War II, the United States of America war plane dropped two atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. The effects of these atomic bombs are still there even today; the children are born having deformities in their body (Rotblat par 3)
Knowledge and awareness
On one hand, there should be no limit on what scientists discover because some of the discoveries are meant for the well being of man. Researchers in physical and biological sciences have enhanced our knowledge in these fields. For instance, we have been able to understand the nature of life we are living. For example, the scientists are warning people of the effects of global warming which has been brought about by the destruction of the Ozone layer and hence campaigns to help stop air pollution.
Transport and Communication
In the field of information technology, scientists have discovered numerous ways of communication. They have managed to break boundaries literally as well as distances. Previously people had to rely on face to face communication but with the advances in technology.
One can communicate with other people who are miles away from them. This is possible through the use of cell phones, social sites like facebook, twitter, and badoo as well as emails. In addition the movement of people and cargo around the world has been improved and safety enhanced due to advances in technology.
Improved medical care
In the field of medicine, scientists have managed to come up with new ways of dealing with diseases. Doctors have managed to operate patients with complicated illnesses because machines to handle such cases have been made hence saving many lives that could have otherwise been lost.
However, scientists should be limited on their discovery if human beings are affected negatively by them.
Insecurity and lack of prioritization
For instance, the manufacture of arms has led to proliferation of small arms which have resulted to insecurity in many countries. Many governments have abandoned projects of great benefit to the people by allocating huge amounts of money for the purchase of arms. This has resulted to slow economic growth.
Furthermore advancement in information, communication and technology has reduced privacy. Through computer hacking people are able to access other people account without the owner’s knowledge hence undermining ones privacy.
Cloning
In addition, scientist should be limited on what they discover because some of these discoveries might not be morally and socially accepted. For instance, their attempts to clone human beings may lead to break down of institutions like marriage; this is because women are in a position to have children without men factor (Rotter p 45).
Harmful radiations
Nuclear technology as a source of energy is very useful to human beings but when natural catastrophes strike, like in Japan today, it posses a great danger to all the people living in that area due to radiations emitted (Anthrop p.39).
Conclusion
In regard to the above sentiments, scientists should be free to explore all avenues available to make the life of mankind better. However, those discoveries which might be of grave danger to people should be vetted so that it is only appropriate technology that is availed to the general public.
Governments should regulate these technologies by first involving all the relevant stakeholders to look in any side effects that they may pose especially to the environment and the people. Having done that then, the discovered technology stands to be accepted or rejected and hence improved in its areas of weaknesses.
Works Cited
Anthrop, Donald. Science and Public Affairs Bulletin of the Atomic Science: Education Foundation of Nuclear Science. New York: Oxford University Press, 1970.
Rotblat, Joseph (Sir). Nobel prize.org: Science and Humanity in the 21st Century, 1999. Web. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1995/rotblat/article/>
Rotter, Andrew. Hiroshima; the world’s bomb. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.