PerspectivesAre you interested in submitting a Perspective Article? Be sure to read The Science Advisory Board's Editorial Guides for Perspective Articles. Click here. A Story Concerning Leonardo da Vinci by Dhastagir Sheriff, Ph.D. “He planned a submarine, but he feared that man would not apply it to progress, namely to the constructive uses of civilization, but to its ruin. He destroyed that possible instrument of destruction.” This quote reminds us of the possibility of science being used us a double-edged weapon for betterment or detriment to the welfare of humankind. If one were to ask what is science? One could easily quote the following: science is the process of human inquiry that pervades the modern era on many levels. Science and scientific method may appear simple and logical in description but there is perhaps no more complex question than that of knowing how we come to know things. The scientific method distinguishes science from other forms of explanation because of its requirement of systematic experimentation, without individual or social bias on scientific findings. In late November 1945, an opinion poll showed that only 5 percent of the public was opposed to the combat use of the atomic bomb. Harry Truman, who made the decision to use it, shared with the electorate the opinion that the bomb was a legitimate weapon. As Truman wrote to a clergyman shortly after the Nagasaki explosion: “Nobody is more disturbed over the use of atomic bombs than I am, but I was greatly disturbed over the unwarranted attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor and the murder of our prisoners of war. The only language they seem to understand is the one we have been using to bombard them. When you have to deal with a beast, you have to treat him as a beast.” If one analyses the above statements what does one conclude from the passage? Scientists are asked to create say the atomic bomb though they might have thought that atomic energy could be used for constructive purposes. Yet the creation of the bomb is the responsibility of the scientists. Its use is determined by the political will that is based upon a democratic opinion poll. For example, imagine one country that is ruled by a dictator and another country that is governed by a democratic leader. The dictator demands the scientists to produce weapons of mass destruction. If we assume that scientists do not wish to produce the weapons but are forced to manufacture them -- in the name of security of the individual country under the threat of the ruler -- are they liable for prosecution under international law if the ruler uses the weapons produced by the scientists to terrorize people? Or if the opinion poll of another country gives the country’s leader the mandate to use weapons of mass destruction on another country proving the dictum “all is fair in love and war.” Who will decide what is right or wrong in the name of Universal Human Rights -- a body like the United Nations where political leaders with money-power decide and direct the mandate? Therefore it is high time that scientists decide globally what is good for the human welfare. Curiosity and creativity may motivate scientists to pursue truth and scientific inventions. Scientists from physical sciences and biological sciences have immensely contributed to the unraveling of nature and for the present state of human good. Basic research in the life and medical sciences has given an immense boost to the well being of the individual human being. At the same time, the spirit of inquiry transgresses areas of great concern reminding us of the maxim, as there is every reason to know yet there is every reason not to know. Manipulation of the genetics of viruses and bacteria could result in germ warfare if these modified creatures are openly used or let loose in the atmosphere could have devastating consequences. Herein lies the responsibility of the scientist to use one’s discretion whether to pursue such a venture or not. At that particular moment the scientist becomes a citizen of the world. Rather every scientist involved in open fundamental research or in secretive defense venture is a citizen of the world. The world has become such a brittle place with nuclear weapons and other weapons of sure death and devastation. It is high time scientists do create an international forum where they could discuss responsible science. This forum could be a place that will allow scientists to inculcate scientific temper that will allow them to keep international peace and prosperity in mind. Scientists cannot in the name of research jeopardize the lives of civilians or the future of humanity. Instead, the method of science constitutes a regenerative process for collecting information and processing the collected information to create meaningful patterns. This process will lead to an ordered understanding of nature of man himself, his natural and social environment. In that sense, the method of science encompasses all aspects of communicable knowledge and cuts across all artificial barriers. The spirit of inquiry and the acceptance of the right to question and be questioned are fundamental to scientific temper. Science calls upon the researcher to ask the how, the what, and the why of an object or event or phenomenon. It further calls upon one to exercise the right to question, provided of course, the questioning of an existing theory. Temper becomes a part of the culture, a philosophy, and a way of life, which leads to the pursuit of truth without prejudgment. Inherent in scientific temper are value judgments allowing scientists to make their voluntary choices for the good of the human being, i.e., helpless citizen of the world. Here let us recall the dismissive remark in a letter of September 1870 from F. Engels to K. Marx: “Terror is for the most part useless cruelties committed by frightened people to reassure themselves.” We are living in a world of love, compassion and at the same time terror. Terror from individual groups or nations or both for personal gain or for transnational purposes is threatening the fabric of society. The bombing of buildings to skyjacking to destruction of nations, terrorists carry out with a desire to create fear in the minds, economic damage and social conflict. These threats have become more dangerous because of the nuclear and neotechnical development and availability of sophisticated weapons that results from applying science to utility. Let us remember the most dangerous weapon on earth is human. Science is a tool in the hands of such a human. The future of humanity lies with how one uses one’s good sense (i.e., science) and values to create a global environment where hate melts in the crucible of love. Science and scientist therefore have a responsibility to nurture science in the womb of love and concern for the ordinary citizens of the world. ### Dr. Dhastagir Sheriff has been a member of The Science Advisory Board since April 2002 and is a professor at the VMKV Medical University in India. ### << Previous Next >> [ View All Perspectives ] |
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