Is science a boon in our life?

Question

Is science a boon in our life?

Answer 1

I suppose that all depends on your perspective. I have a rewarding career as a professor of (biological) science at a university, so I feel some very positive direct benefits. Also, through scientific inquiry, we know about/understand (just a small list follows): the existence of pathogens, sterilization of wounds, insulin, the mechanisms of natural & artificial selection, inner workings of atoms, and the incredible antiquity of the Earth and its biota. However, that same spirit of scientific inquiry has led to negative things as well, including (but not limited to) the evolution of drug-resistant pathogens, atom bombs, DDT, and invasive genetically modified organisms.

In the end, I think it's too hard to call it either a boon or a detriment -- it just is.