The Scientific Progress, Essay Example

Scientific progress is a natural occurrence. However, in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the author shows us that technological advancement can be a negative phenomenon. Humanity has made many attempts to contribute to scientific understanding as a consequence of both interest and necessity. However, when ethical practices are breached, the result of scientific exploration can procure negative results. Overall, technology can behave as a negative force in Western Civilization. Those with technological prowess have the ability to gain control, which can result in death and disaster. Thus, it is beneficial to implement ethics in research to ensure that scientific advancement does not result in negativity. The monster created in Frankenstein is an important example of what should be avoided. Creating simply to satisfy curiosity can cause pain and suffering, not only on society, but on the individuals involved in our experiments as well.

It is apparent that many great risks need to be taken to contribute to scientific progress. According to Francis Bacon, a well-known scientist, “For the induction of which the logicians talk, which proceeds by simple enumeration, is a childish affair, unsafe in its conclusions, in danger from a contradictory instance, taking account of only what is familiar, and leading to no result” (Bacon). This demonstrates that without taking risks, it is impossible to find new information. However, risks can be taken while still protecting people. In Frankenstein, the scientist has little regards for the results of his creation. Instead, he toils to find a way to create a living person where no life had been present previously. However, his creation suffers because there is none like him. Such a disaster would not have occurred if the doctor had more foresight during his experimentation, and it is possible that his would have contributed to technology that is meaningful for society, rather than simply allowing him to create an abomination out of mere curiosity.

Many technological developments that have been beneficial to society have been due to extensive collaboration between different individuals. A primary example of technological advancement that has aided people is the technological advancement that occurred during the Renaissance (Principe). During this time period, there was a broad range of ideas exchanged between different people in Europe, which contributed to advances in art, the ability to revolutionize farming techniques and more. These advancements were beneficial because they allowed people to enjoy entertainment and acquire food more easily. However, the individuals that created new ideas and objects during the Renaissance did so not just out of curiosity, but because they wanted to improve the lives of others. As such, there is a significant difference between Frankenstein’s discovery and the discoveries made by individuals during the Renaissance. Frankenstein’s monster represents the evil that people are able to accomplish through scientific investigation, while the people of the Renaissance represent ethics and utility.

Throughout the book, Frankenstein shows that he desires to create the monster because he has a drive for scientific understanding. He explains, “Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to state those facts which led to my predilection for that science” (Shelley). Frankenstein demonstrates that he feels that it is his responsibility to engage in this exploration because of his knowledge. He feels tied to the fate of science somehow and must act upon this in order to feel truly fulfilled. Frankenstein continues to explain, “My father was not scientific, and I was left to struggle with a child’s blindness, added to a student’s thirst for knowledge” (Shelley). Therefore, he feels that he must use science to cope for the lack of understanding on the behalf of his father. It is clear, therefore, that Frankenstein is engaging in science for purely selfish reasons. He wishes to satisfy his own personal curiosity and prove to the scientific world what he can do. Since he creates a monster for these reasons, this action can be considered truly detrimental to society, indicating an instance in which increased technology and scientific knowledge may be a negative thing.

In conclusion, it would be erroneous to call scientific progress completely positive or completely negative. Rather, scientific progress is good if the people that are engaged in the research are well-intended, while it can be bad if the researchers are self-interested and do not consider the ethical repercussions of their work. Frankenstein is the latter type of person, who only cares about pushing science forward without considering the impacts that it will have on those around him. With little regard for life, Frankenstein creates a living and breathing monster, who suffers as a consequence of his creation. Mary Shelley therefore shows us that technological advancement can have negative consequences if careful consideration is not taken during the experimental process. It is beneficial for researchers to fully account for the consequences of their experiments if they wish to continue to drive society forward. Technology itself cannot be considered good or bad; it is the people who create it that make this decision.

Bibliography

Bacon, F. Novum Organum.

Principle, L.M. The Scientific Revolution.

Shelley, M. Frankenstein. 1818.