In this blog post, we reflect on the positive and negative aspects of scientific and technological development and how they balance each other out.

The causes of problems in human society

In the movie “Planet of the Apes” (2001), in the year 2029, humans sacrifice trained chimpanzees to uncover the secret of electromagnetic storms and send them into space. When the spaceship carrying the chimpanzees disappears from the radar of the space station, Leo is dispatched on an emergency mission.
Shortly thereafter, the spacecraft is drawn by an unknown force and crashes into the swampy terrain of an unnamed planet. The humans living on the planet have been domesticated by apes, treated with contempt, and forced to live a miserable life as slaves.
This story reveals that humanity has sacrificed nature (apes) in the name of scientific progress. However, the result is that humanity is brutally defeated by nature (apes). This serves as a symbolic example of the dark side that can arise when humanity pursues scientific progress. Does this mean that scientific progress inevitably leads humanity toward darkness? Let us examine the light and darkness of scientific progress and consider whether the causes of problems in human society lie in science itself or in the choices made by humans who pursue scientific progress.

The light brought by scientific progress

Scientific progress has made our lives more prosperous, convenient, and abundant. The positive effects of scientific and technological advances in various fields on our lives are countless.
Let us look at a few examples. First, the advancement of medical science and technology. The Black Death that swept through medieval Europe claimed the lives of tens of millions of people, but at the time, the cause of the Black Death was unknown, leaving people helpless. However, as time passed, medicine advanced, and eventually the causative agent, the plague bacterium, was discovered, and antibiotics to treat it were developed.
Today, the plague is no longer a deadly disease, thanks to scientific progress.
Second, the development of energy science and technology. In the past, energy production relied on fossil fuels, which caused serious environmental problems such as air and water pollution, as well as the depletion of fuel resources. However, the discovery of nuclear energy made efficient energy supply possible, reducing fuel consumption and significantly decreasing environmental pollution. Nuclear energy has the advantages of high energy efficiency and zero carbon emissions. However, it also poses serious challenges, as the safe disposal of radioactive waste remains an unresolved issue.
Third, the development of information and communication technology. Compared to the past, we now have easier access to information, which has further promoted global economic and social interaction. The Internet, smartphones, and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized our daily lives, and we are now entering a new era where people can share information and knowledge in real time and collaborate with one another. All of this has been made possible thanks to scientific progress.

The dark side of scientific progress

However, just as there cannot be only light in this world, there is also a dark side to scientific progress. Scientific progress does not necessarily guarantee a bright future. The destruction of the natural environment, threats to ecosystems, and issues of bioethics are just some of the social problems that scientific development can cause.
First, let us examine the dark side of medical science and technology. Animal experimentation is accepted as an important part of scientific research that saves human lives, but it can also raise serious ethical issues. Additionally, genetic modification technology and stem cell research also raise questions about the dignity of life. The results of genetic modification or organ cloning could have unforeseen effects on the ecosystem. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, rendering existing treatments ineffective. Superbugs are a prime example of this problem, and the emergence of powerful drug-resistant bacteria that cannot be eliminated by any antibiotic highlights another dark side of medical science and technology.
The dark side of energy science and technology is also worth noting. Nuclear energy is an innovative technology for power supply, but the safe disposal of radioactive waste remains a serious problem. If this material is not properly managed, it can cause environmental pollution and even expose humans to radiation. The Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents are events that clearly demonstrate these risks. The leakage of radioactive materials threatens countless lives, and its effects can persist for decades. Additionally, nuclear technology can be misused for military purposes, with the development of nuclear weapons considered one of the most deadly threats to humanity. The atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II resulted in approximately 280,000 casualties, vividly demonstrating the destructive power of nuclear weapons.

The causes of social problems resulting from scientific progress

As discussed above, scientific progress has both positive and negative aspects. So, is the cause of the problems arising in human society inherent in science itself, or does it lie with the humans who handle science?
As science and technology advance, we must consider the side effects that accompany technological progress. For example, the development of antibiotics was a groundbreaking achievement that extended human life, but it also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Nuclear energy is an efficient energy source, but the resulting nuclear waste problem and radiation risks are major challenges that must be addressed.
Therefore, it can be argued that scientific progress inevitably causes problems in human society. However, we cannot blame science itself for all these problems. Ultimately, it is up to humans to choose how to use and apply science and technology. Science is neutral in itself, and how it is utilized is a key factor in determining social issues.

Conclusion

Scientific progress brings great benefits to human society, but it also has the potential to cause serious problems. However, we cannot conclude that science itself is the cause of these problems. The development and use of science and technology are human choices, and the social impact of these choices is determined accordingly. The light and darkness brought by scientific progress are inseparable, and it is up to humans to maintain this balance. Responsible choices and ethical standards are necessary to ensure that science and technology contribute to humanity and society in a positive direction.