Science is unable to set its own priorities. It is also incapable of determining what to do with its discoveries. For example, from a purely scientific viewpoint it is unclear what we should do with our increasing understanding of genetics. Should we use this knowledge to cure cancer, to create a race of genetically engineered supermen, or to engineer dairy cows with super-sized udders?
Scientific research can flourish only in alliance with some ideology. The ideology justifies the costs of the research; the ideology influences the scientific agenda and determines what to do with the discoveries.
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On a planet with a multitude of dissimilar ideologies, or interests, one might say that science is already flourishing, as breakthroughs in fields of study from astronomy to zoology are reported almost weekly. Pure science seeks knowledge about our universe, not how that knowledge is used. Those decisions are left to the realm of applied science, where engineering, medical and business priorities (to name three) are advanced, and investments made. In my opinion, the developed world appears to already have a dominant ideology for applied science—maximizing profit.
p-nullifidian
Level 8
July 29, 2018
5
Well-spoken!
Be thankful we have some liberty from religion to continue to explore the realm of science and what it might accomplish. In the past we never have known what our discoveries would lead to. Sometimes they are good other times they are bad . Good old gunpowder both good and bad.
Marine
Level 8
July 29, 2018
2
The problem is trusting ourselves as humans. We are unpredictable with knowledge. That being said who do you trust more, the religious viewpoint or the science viewpoint?
Partyhawk
Level 7
July 29, 2018
1
we always need to do research as we do not know what we have accomplished until we continue to experiment.
@Matias I do believe we are at a very early stage in this age of science so misjudgments of the results of many studies are happening on both sides of the spectrum. Understanding human nature and the brain is the toughest part. "Scientific research flourishing in alliance with an ideology" such as economics, where economics itself is quickly changing with capitalism being global since the 80s, buying cheaply overseas and closing American factories down because of such was the start of this mess. Then with technology taking over the work forces such as the auto industry put more people out of work so others could make a killing. Simpleminded politicians, for the money, with no understanding of what they were doing let this shit run amok and now is quite challenging to unscrew. As for the social sciences aspect, with lifestyles changing so rapidly and the religious right rearing its ugly head to anything they don't agree with plus running the government with ignorance of others not associated with their believes, the social environment is in clash mode everywhere. This has given the uneducated and misguided some voice which has revealed some shocking results of how people have been raised to think. Then people not working due to less opportunities which has created school loan issues. It's a mess out here. Its science thinking people, highly qualified professionals, who know their shit that are seriously needed in all positions of government now to fix this debacle. Global warming, phew, these religious people in power think they are being persecuted for their religion and they don't seem to realize it's their stupid actions in the name of religion instead of science which is why. Yes they will persecuted but only because they screwed shit up so badly the backlash will be there. At the same time mechanical engineering technology is taking off like a rocket. A major adjustment is needed in the economics and social sciences fields mainly because it directly affects the people. Regulations will need to be turned back on but even more are needed to reverse the damaged done by this administration and their cohorts. The education system needs to seriously change to all science, put creationism in church. We need to prepare our kids for the future so they can all be involved.
Science is not really concerned with what to do with it and more concerned with discovering what is unknown. More often than not, ideology stifles science.
Fulishsage
Level 6
July 29, 2018
2
Each scientific field is taking care of its ideology. The cancer field is not debating with the cows udder.
Switchcraft
Level 7
July 29, 2018
3
There is no one-size-fits-all in science, nor is there some governing body that aims research into grooves! Science can be Newton observing an apple fall, and postulating Gravity.
You sound rather odd.......it is Religion that says "only look here".
AnneWimsey
Level 9
July 29, 2018
3
@PalacinkyPDX he's going to get us to fall on our knees & admit we have sinned! He should hold his breath until then.........
Science can set priorities. Ideology can and should be evidenced based, this is a religious argument. The common good as evidenced by evolution, suffering and optimizing the environment is where ideology should be based and nowhere else.
Buttercup
Level 8
July 29, 2018
2
Based on what humans have done in the past , over time , I rather suspect all three options and more , although it's likely , whatever is likely to bring in money will be first on the list . I suspect curing cancer will likely be last on the list , and any positive results quickly hidden away , as a cure for cancer will cost big pharma billions .
Cast1es
Level 9
July 29, 2018
1
What is the case, what science studies and determines cannot determine what ought to be the case, what is moral or right. Ideology as a way of ordering and valuing reality straddles what is and what ought to be, molding these distinct categories in its own terms.
cava
Level 7
July 29, 2018
0
What are you striving for, a Master Plan? Und liebe Grüße an Freiburg. Da bin ich gerne gewandert.
Spinliesel
Level 9
July 29, 2018
2
Ich auch!
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