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Analysis and Opinion:
Unfortunately, the bases of some of the most vocal critics of science come from those who are completely ignorant of the many benefits of modern science. Meanwhile, the profit motivation sometimes inspires irresponsible risk taking by those who are more greedy than ignorant. Scientific technology must not be limited by ignorance, but it must be regulated so that legitimate ecological concerns are not overlooked for the sake of short-term financial gains. While the criticisms voiced by religious conservatives and the uneducated lay public are unfounded (Bishop 1997), the profit motive certainly does increase the chances of ecologically dangerous developments associated with modern scientific applications, such as those within the agricultural engineering sciences (Rifkin 2004).
The risk presented by the process of "gene flow" described by Rifkin (2004) is particularly dangerous ecologically. Agricultural scientists are currently developing very hardy strains of vegetables, such as tomatoes with "antifreeze" genes transferred from flounder and potatoes with disease resistance genes from chickens (Rifkin 2004). At the same time, they are developing very strong new pesticides for agricultural use against weeds that are naturally very resistant to external threats because they mutate so readily in nature. The...
In general, modern scientific research is conducted under strict guidelines that are intended to minimize the risks naturally associated with new technologies. However, when science is commissioned by industrialized business, the profit motive may impose shortcuts and even complete denial of legitimate safety concerns. While this is a serious mater, it reflects a problem that originates in human greed rather than in science or technology.
Numerous events in the 20th century have illustrated that scientific progress and technology may be used responsibly for good or irresponsibly. Ultimately, science itself merely represents knowledge; it is human choice that makes science dangerous.
References
Bishop, J.M. (1997) Enemies of Promise.
Rifkin, J. (2004) the Biotech Century: Playing Ecological Roulette with Mother Nature's Designs.
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