"How inventions and discoveries are used is not the concern of the scientist." Do you agree? (Nov 2004)
by 09S45 HENG RONG QI
1. scientist may be restricted in their research if they are to hold responsible for their discoveries and inventions. one example is that nuclear fission was originally invented to provide alternative source of energy, but no to provide bases for the culprit of massive damage--nuclear weapon. however, the counter example would be the manhattan project in which research is carried out for the sake of victory in the war, which has devastating effect for mankind
2. Developments and Usage of Inventions Not Within Their Control
2.1. Scientists and inventors often do not have any control over the future developments and the usage of their inventions once it is made available to the masses. An example would be Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. His invention was never intended for use in war, or to harm someone else. But unfortunately, it was used in war that created massive damage.
2.2. Some of th'eir inventions are put into use after they are dead. Eg Leonardo da Vinci's inventions like the parachute
3. NO, its not their concern
3.1. Some discoveries are such that scientists themselves do not know what it is going to be used for in the future. EG: Internet was supposed to be a US military software before it opened up to the public. EG: ETFE, a plastic, was accidentally invented and started to be used as non-stick cover for cookware. Now, used as building material, for aerospace industry as well.
3.2. The main duty of scientists is to communicate their research and social and ethical implications to the policy-makers and the public. They do not decide how the inventions can be used and neither do they have any control the usage of them.
3.3. The job of a scientist is to delve into the unknown to discover and unravel the mysteries of our universe. As a scientist, his duty is discovery, and any applications of these discoveries (inventions) are none of his concern
3.4. Scientists are often not held accountable for the harm and destruction caused. The research they have been silently doing in the laboratories cause mass destruction but often, they are isolated from the social responsibilities of their inventions. It is politicians that are the ones who gets the blame.
3.4.1. For example, in response to North Korea's recent nuclear tests, the world is putting the blame on its government instead of the scientists involved in the tests.
3.5. Inventions and discoveries are always double edge swords, just like rifle could help hunter catch quarry, but can also be used to kill people. The effects of any inventions and discoveries are subject to their users, not their founders. It's not within scientists' ability to control the usage of their discoveries and hence it is unnecessary for them to concern about it. Therefore, possible drawbacks should not become a hindrance on scientists' work. Indeed, to achieve maximum efficiency, a scientist should always focus on his or her own field rather than being distracted by unnecessary factors.
4. Colours:
4.1. Pratik
4.2. Gary
4.3. Rong Qi
4.4. Jun Rong
4.5. Peijia
4.6. Siyuan
5. YES, its their concern
5.1. Each scientist has a moral obligation that their invention does not adversely affect anyone. This goes directly against defence scientists as their job is to design things that are supposed to harm people.
5.2. Scientists should have in mind that concern for man and his well-being should be the objective of inventions and discoveries. At the same time, as highly educated individuals, they should never forget all man are made equal. Never should we resort to abusing inventions (technology) to harm an equal being for the sake of the safety of the people around us.
5.2.1. Despite so much being said, we always have our vested interest in mind when it leads to national security. Like what Bush puts it, we (America) have a right to wage pre-emptive war against those deemed a threat.