Topic > Science and Human Nature - 1732

Science, a field involving various subjects including mathematics, biology, chemistry, etc., is one of the most influential aspects of human history. The Merriam-webster dictionary defines it as: “such knowledge or system of knowledge concerning the physical world and its phenomena: natural science” (“Science”, Merriam-webster Dictionary). What he studies is always linked to our nature, to ourselves. It is a field that requires sophisticated knowledge and skills, as well as long-term dedication. So, whenever a major turning point occurs, it is possible that it could change the entire course of humanity. Take the steam engine as an example: it took James Watt decades to study the prototype of the original steam engine and then successfully modify it for commercial use. Such an extraordinary breakthrough in mechanical science became the key to the first industrial revolution and the transition to a new chapter in human history. However, such scientific innovations must always take into consideration another aspect of humanity: the moral question: whether an invention is against human nature and the principle of our physical world or not. It is a crucial concern because as long as an invention is abnormal compared to what we believe, or works in the opposite way contradicting our nature, it could have disastrous consequences. In Mary Shelly's Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, both authors expressed their opinions on this concern. In their novels, they present two different stories about two scientists and their extraordinary creations, and the consequences of those inventions, both to themselves and to society. From my point of view, I argue that with the use of first person point of view, the detailed description on... in the center of the paper... from them; the vivid descriptions of the monsters demonstrate what terrible results such studies can create; and the secondary characters and social background make readers more convinced that such studies are unacceptable. The same message of these two novels must be remembered, even today. Only when the boundaries and limits of human nature are not broken can science bring benefits to humanity. Works Cited Bright, Wilson, E. An Introduction to Scientific Research. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1952. 8. Print.Schwartz, Barry and Hugh Lacey. Behaviorism, science and human nature. 1st. New York: Norton, 1982. 7. Print."Science." definitely 3b. Merriam Webster online, Merriam Webster and Web. 16 Mar 2014.Struzziero, Marie Antoinette, ed. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Themes." Dualism and duality. NP Network. March 16 2014. .