Science and Human Values

Roadmap

Introduction Essay Questions Science in general The life sciences Computers Science and ethics Combined topics

For Your Viewing Pleasure Links Books Movies

Introduction

Students will explore a variety of modern scientific developments and consider the impact on our changing society. They will reflect on the frequent conflict between the scientist and society, in terms of legal, religious, social, moral and psychological implications.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Links

• dummy by dummy
  dummy.

Books: Non-Fiction

• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
  Imagine: you're not the reason you exist. Your genes want to reproduce, and you're just a handy vehicle. Makes difficult concepts like game theory and memes intriguing and simple. A classic.

• Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley
  A fascinating and easy-to-read tour of the human genome, one chromosome/theme at a time (e.g. history, fate, intelligence). You definitely do not have to be in Medfac to understand and enjoy this.

Books: Fiction

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  Drugs are perfected and legal, sex is practically compulsory, and everyone is conditioned into loving his or her job. Science has created the perfect world - so why should this utopia bother us?

Movies

• Brazil (Terry Gilliam)
• Deep Blue Sea (Renny Harlin)
• Enemy of the State (Tony Scott)

Essay Questions

Science in General

• Examine the relationship between technology and quality of life. (96 Promo)
• 'Advancements in science and technology have created more divisions than bridged differences.' What do you think? (HCJC 2002)
• In your opinion, what are the most interesting current developments in science? (93)
• 'The ordinary man should not isolate himself from Science.' How far do you agree? (JC2 CT3 97)
• How might advances in science and technology affect us in the next 20 years or so? (93 Promo)

Life Sciences

• 'Human cloning is inhuman and should be banned.' Do you agree?
• 'The first duty of a doctor has always been to preserve life.' How far can this principle still be maintained? (N98)
• 'Modern medicine has somehow persuaded some people that death is now optional.' Discuss. (93 Prelim)
• How should we approach the medical practice--as a calling or a profession?

Computers

• 'The computer has created more work than it has taken away.' How far do you agree? (SAJC 02)
• "Eventually computers will allow people to work from home." Is this desirable? (1992)
• How has the widespread use of computers affected life in your country for better and worse? (92 Prelim)

Science and Ethics

• 'Science can never provide a final answer to things; it is only a way of studying them.' Do you agree? (1992)
• How far should scientists be held responsible for the effects of their discoveries? (91)
• "With scientific advancement, morality takes a back seat." Comment. (JC2 CT1 94)
• 'Science is too serious a business to be left to the scientists.' Discuss. (PL 91)
• 'For every solution science has produced, it has created a problem.' Discuss. (95 Prelim)
• 'Science has elevated man to the status of a god.' Is this desirable? (96 Promo)
• 'The greatest human disasters have come in the guise of scientific miracles.' Discuss. (JJC1 CT1 92)
• Is a world dominated by science a dream or a nightmare for future generations? (N98)
• "The potential of science and technology causes fear and inspires hope." Discuss. (PM 96)

Combined topics

• Discuss the benefits and advantages which technological development is likely to have upon education in the near future. (N97)
• Why, in a scientific age, are people still interested in-or afraid of-the supernatural? (96)
• "As science advances, the importance of religion declines." To what extent is this an accurate claim? (N94)