Verified Document

Technology The Hazards And Benefits Essay

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.

Sources used in this document:
References

Bishop, J.M. (1997) Enemies of Promise.

Rifkin, J. (2004) the Biotech Century: Playing Ecological Roulette with Mother Nature's Designs.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Technology in Healthcare
Words: 1048 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Technology in Healthcare It is a fact of life today that technology pervades everything. It is hardly a surprise that this is true for health care as well. Indeed, the very nature of health care, in that it provides human beings with a better chance at a higher quality of life, requires that some degree of technology is necessary. This is also important in terms of leadership in health care. If

Technology and Global Exosystem
Words: 2489 Length: 8 Document Type: Term Paper

Technology and Global Ecosystem An Analysis of the Implications of Technology and the Global Ecosystem The 21st century promises to usher in innovations in technology that cannot yet be imagined, and the advancements to date have provided many in the world with unprecedented standards of living. Improved methods of transportation and communication, combined with more leisure time than ever in which to spend it has resulted in many people developing a keen

Technology -- Blessing or Curse
Words: 474 Length: 1 Document Type: Term Paper

Response Yes, technology generates problems, and it is shrewd and apt to point out that for every net gain to certain members of society via technology there is a net loss. The hand weavers of the 18th century were put out of business by 19th century factories that could manufacture clothing cheaply, computers have probably collectively caused the art of calligraphy to die, and made even professional writers overly reliant on

Technology in Society Pros and Cons
Words: 801 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Technology on Society The use of modern communications technology is widely considered to be positive, reducing barriers to communication and facilitating new powerful forms. St. Amant (2002) argues the counterpoint, that computer-mediated communication "amplifies cultural rhetorical differences, and there should be greater examination of potential conflict. Ma (1996) notes that computer-mediated communication between Asian and North American college students offers tremendous promise, with respect to breaking down barriers that exist

Technology Is Always Challenging. Although the Use
Words: 1544 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

technology is always challenging. Although the use of technology by social workers is not a new phenomenon, it is controversial. For a discipline traditionally tied to face-to-face interaction, many concerns about moving to technology-based practices have been raised. This paper will examine how social work informatics can be applied to child protection in Alaska and suggest a research project to examine its utility, particularly as it relates to the

Benefits Package for Employees
Words: 2581 Length: 8 Document Type: Business Plan

employee benefits and compensation package for the post of a secretary for Guardian, hired by the firm's Human Resources department. This package will incorporate particulars such as whether the employee will be non-exempt or exempt, and handling of overtime. Government regulations will also be discussed. As firms are continually faced with growing pressure from competition, they strive to do more using fewer resources, and also strive to do this with

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now