question_answer 11)

11. Science, like any knowledge, can be put to good or bad use, depending on the user. Given below are some of the applications of science. Formulate your views on whether the particular application is good, bad or something that cannot be so clearly categorised: (a) Mass vaccination against small pox to curb and finally eradicate this disease from the population. (This has already been successfully done in India). (b) Television for eradication of illiteracy and for mass communication of news and ideas. (c) Prenatal sex determination. (d) Computers for increase in work efficiency. (e) Putting artificial satellites into orbits around the Earth. (f) Development of nuclear weapons. (g) Development of new and powerful techniques of chemical and biological warfare. (h) Purification of water for drinking. (i) Plastic surgery. (j) Cloning.  

Answer:

(a) Good, mass vaccination protects us from this dreaded disease. (b) Good, it educates, entertains and creates awareness amongst the people. (c) It cannot be clearly categorised as it may be misused by people. (d) Good, computers work very fast and with great accuracy. (e) Good, artificial satellites are useful for studying universe, as communication means and in forecasting weather. (f) Bad, nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction. (g) Bad, these techniques are the weapons of mass destruction. (h) Good, otherwise the polluted water may cause many diseases. (i) Good, it helps to remove deformations in the body. (j) Good.