Science and Society

Society is a complex product of creations of innumerable human beings, a mixture of different traditions and cultures. In such a situation, an invention has far-reaching influence than one can ordinarily anticipate. An invention can influence one society in one way and another in a different manner. In one it can have an effect just opposite to another in a different society. instances have been given when a single invention has produced far-reaching consequences on society.

In attempting to get a correct picture of the influence of an invention, it should be noted that a given invention is often only one of the several factors producing a particular result. An invention can act as a key for a change in society which otherwise is not ready for it.

Future trends of research which may be on behavioral science, self-organizing machines or biological engineering and biophysics will have long-term effects which can permit enduring prosperity to nations who are already affluent and ensure the existence of millions in under-developed economies.

One of the outstanding features of the present day made of living, in contrast to that which prevailed in the past century, is the remarkable degree to which we now depend on science, Science has become a great productive force. machines powered by mineral fuels are doing the work of thousands of pairs of bare hands.

The food requirements of the increasing population are now being solved by improvement in the quality and quantity of plant, livestock and soil. In the field of water supply, groundwater resources are being rapidly developed; desalination of sea water has been made economically possible in certain advancing countries, while the chemists are on the way to produce synthetic food. there are hopes that some 10 or 15 years hence, man may have access to the mineral resources of the neighbouring planets. 

With the development of science, the frontiers of distance are breaking down, city states are slowly giving place to country states, prejudices and superstitions created by isolation due to physical barriers are fast disappearing. Different countries have now continuous link through the United Nations and other international organisations. With the opening of the employment opportunities and development of transport facilities, there is now more mobility of labour. 

Closely allied to advances in science is the question of modern urban expansion. Large scale migration from rural areas to industrial areas is now a common feature in a fast changing social order.

                                                                   [ Part 2 ]