3 - Can Science Serve Mankind?

Summary

The naïve scientific optimism of the nineteenth century has been replaced by cynicism regarding the ability of science to serve mankind. Some blame science for the breakdown of the social order of an idealized past. Does science serve mankind, or does mankind serve science?

This essay is based on a talk given at the opening ceremony of the conference “Science in the Service of Mankind,” Vienna, Austria, July 8-14, 1979.

The scientific optimist who wrote in the 1808 Elements of Natural Philosophy: “The great object of science is to ameliorate the condition of man, by adding to the advantages which he naturally possesses,” is no longer with us. He has been replaced by the environmentalist, the conservationist, the consumer advocate, and the professional demonstrator who criticize every aspect of science and most other human activities – who, regarding the splendor of this gathering and the obvious prosperity of its participants, might suggest that the appropriate question is: Can mankind afford to continue to serve science?

As is evident from the topics covered in this conference, in a material sense science has provided, and continues to provide, solutions for many problems. It is obvious that life as we have come to expect it would not be possible without the material fruits of science.