The novel explores the nature and limits of scientific experiment. When Shelley wrote this novel, science had not developed to a point where the secrets of life were opened to it. Now, science has unraveled the secret of DNA, defined the genetic code, experimented with cloning, and explored the complexities of human engineering. Write your view of the questions facing scientists and our society today.I don’t think there should be limitations on scientific discoveries, because as humans, it is necessary for us to gain knowledge to improve the evolution of our species. This science can help us find cures, treatments, and create technologies that can improve the quality of life for us and future generations. There can’t really be a single decision made to stop someone from receiving knowledge or discovering something new, because it is necessary to human nature to constantly improve and curiously seek more than what we have. I think it’s possible for science to go too far, like if you’ve ever seen those post apocalyptic movies where the Earth is in ruins and the only source of life are robots or aliens. However, I believe that scientific discovery is helpful as long as we are responsible with the application of science to our world, so that it doesn’t harm anyone. Morality plays a big role in anything we do as humans, but is really dependent on the individual, and affects how far they are willing to take their research. Lots of people do have bad morals, but as long as the intentions for science are to do good, we shouldn’t limit it. I also see how science may affect religion. For example, the creation of life, like that in Frankenstein, would oppose monotheistic values of appreciating what God or a higher power has already gifted the world. They might see this as trying to play God, which could cause chaos and protests. Also, in pop culture, the creation of life or the alteration of human genes is always depicted negatively, in a destructive way, which could impact the attitudes of most people towards this kind of research. It stigmatizes a common fear of the unknown throughout our society, which cannot really be overcome fear until we know, and research is done to explore the possibility of human achievement. As Sir Francis Bacon said, “knowledge is power”, in which exploration will help improve our community and could lead to a deeper understanding of the natural world.
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Cameryn JusonWills Period 2 Archives
April 2017
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