10 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SCIENCE (WITH EXAMPLES) - SCIENCE - 2025

Among the main advantages and disadvantages of science are the generation of a healthy population and environmental pollution, respectively. The benefits provided by science for the development of the human being are undeniable; Scientific discipline has allowed man to function better in his area of ​​work.

In addition, science has extended the duration of human life and that of other living beings. Through science it was also possible to establish a wide communications network that allows us to access information more easily; Through science, the entire world is interconnected and virtually anyone can have access to knowledge.

Science has generated undeniable advances, but it has also caused problems as a result of misuse. Source: pixabay.com

However, scientific advances have also been used negatively, since they have contributed to the creation of all kinds of weapons (the most worrying example is found in the manufacture of nuclear weapons).

Likewise, technological advances have strongly harmed the environment, contributing to global warming. From these notions, a set of advantages and disadvantages of science can be established that are pertinent to take into account.

Advantages of science

1- A healthy population

Thanks to scientific and technological advances, it has been possible to make populations healthier, which implies a longer life expectancy.

In the same way, through scientific research, discoveries have been made that have completely changed the health of human beings.

For example, currently scientists have been working on the development of very advanced prostheses for those people who have lost a limb of the body or who suffer from some type of anatomical inefficiency.

The discovery of penicillin

One of the most important scientific contributions was that of penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.

This product is an antibiotic that has allowed the salvation of millions of people around the world. In turn, penicillin has been used to make other drugs that serve to protect the body from different diseases.

The discovery of DNA

Another of the great scientific discoveries in health was that of DNA, achieved by Friedrich Miescher in 1869.

This research meant a before and after in medical studies, since it allowed us to know the structure and composition of cells. In this way it has been possible to know the reason for the existence of many pathologies and diseases.

2- Resources to protect living beings from natural events or disasters

Science has allowed human beings to have a greater knowledge of the laws of nature; in turn, this has allowed the development of tools and systems to protect communities from natural catastrophes such as volcanic explosions, tsunamis and floods, among others.

These advances have allowed the protection of millions of people, reducing the loss of human life threatened by natural adversities.

In addition, scientific knowledge has contributed to the creation of cooling and heating systems, allowing humans to better adapt to climate change.

3- Improvements in daily life

Previously there were no refrigerators, microwaves or electric stoves; even until relatively recently man did not know electric light. Therefore, the human being had to worry about a series of problems that do not exist in our days.

For example, thanks to the existence of refrigerators, most communities can preserve their food more efficiently. Similarly, through the existence of electric light, man can enjoy greater protection at night, in addition to being able to work more efficiently on any task.

Other advances in everyday life that are the product of scientific development can be seen in the field of personal hygiene: thanks to science, cosmetic products have been created, as well as cleaning products.

All these aspects allow the human being to live in a much healthier and more pleasant environment.

4- Ease of mobilization

Through scientific advances, man has undeniably been able to improve his transportation systems. Just a century ago, human beings had to use wagons to get from one place to another, whereas today there are automobiles, airplanes and railways.

In 1768 the Scottish inventor James Watt made the first model of the steam engine; Thanks to this first impulse, transport by sea could be improved, so that boat trips became faster.

After this, the first trains were developed, which accelerated the development of the economy together with the growth of industries.

In 1885 Karl Benz manufactured the first internal combustion car, which privatized transport and allowed its mass sale. For their part, the Wright brothers were the first to fly an airplane in 1903.

5- Globalization and intercommunications

One of the most significant scientific achievements for the history of mankind was the invention of the telephone: the arrival of this device managed to communicate to those people who were physically distanced, also enabling links between nations.

On the other hand, the invention of the Internet improved such communication and established a completely new language. Today many people get their jobs or succeed in a business thanks to the existence of the Internet.

Disadvantages of science

In objective terms, science as a discipline poses no disadvantage; in reality, the only defects in scientific knowledge are due to negligent or incompetent interpretation of human beings.

This means that science, if not applied responsibly, can wreak havoc on societies. Taking this into account, the following disadvantages can be established.

1- Technology addiction

Through science, human beings have evolved their forms of communication and have modified the way in which social relationships are built. Currently the world of social networks facilitates many everyday aspects; however, it often causes addiction in users.

For this reason, there are several campaigns that encourage the moderate use of cell phones and other electronic devices. This is intended for consumers to spend more time in their lives to share with others without the need to be connected to a machine.

2- Manufacture of firearms, biological and nuclear

Throughout the history of mankind, scientific knowledge has been used to build and progress as well as to destroy. Since the oldest civilizations - such as the Greeks, for example - man has used war technologies in order to destroy his enemies.

In the middle of the 19th century, many great thinkers and scientists believed that science and knowledge would help man to become more civilized; However, with the arrival of the new century, science was used to create more effective weapons for murder.

This brought with it a strong disappointment for those who thought that science would save man from his destructive character. Over the decades, increasingly effective devices were manufactured to kill, so that today there are not only firearms, but also biological and nuclear weapons.

3- Environmental pollution

The development of large industries, as well as the exploitation of oil and coal, have significantly damaged the environment.

This is due to a bad and irresponsible application of scientific knowledge, since it could help protect the planet; In other words, although it is true that science allowed the construction of factories and other highly polluting devices, science could also be used to save the environment.

Currently there are several organizations that are in charge of studying the most efficient way to recycle, and to extract plastic and other harmful elements from the ecosystem. However, still many of the largest and most important companies refuse to carry out these changes.

4- Disadvantage in the future: man against machine

Many theories have been put forward about the dangers of the application and development of artificial intelligence. Some scientists and thinkers consider that the use of this concept could have negative repercussions for human beings, since a lack of control of the machines could occur.

For example, in countries very advanced in science and technology (such as Japan) it has been possible to manufacture a series of robots that can operate people and provide them with treatments. This idea may be perceived as effective, but it has caused some controversy among the more conservative.

5- Creation of technologies that replace man

Within this same branch of the development of high technologies and artificial intelligence, the possibility that in the not too distant future the machine will replace man in various tasks has been debated; this would put many people out of work and reduce the range of jobs and studies.

For example, during the Industrial Revolution many people who worked in large industries lost their jobs when the machines that replaced their jobs were incorporated; however, other individuals got jobs by repairing these machines.

This means that this possible disadvantage can bring with it many possibilities. Perhaps the elimination of certain jobs means the creation of others; therefore, it cannot yet be affirmed with authority that technology will succeed in replacing man in its entirety.

References

1. Pardo, C. (2018) The benefits and risks of science, technology and innovation. Retrieved on June 3, 2019 from Portfolio: portafolio.co
2. (2019) Advantages and disadvantages of science. Retrieved on June 3, 2019 from Encyclopedia of Examples: examples.co
3. (nd) Advantages and disadvantages of science. Retrieved on June 3, Learning Course:learningcourse.com
4. 5 benefits of popularization for scientists. Retrieved on June 3 from Scientific Culture Notebook: culturacientifica.com
5. The advantages of studying science. Recovered on June 3 from Madrimasd: madrimasd.es