Science has been defined as a systematized body of knowledge. It is neither good nor bad in itself. It is the use of science that makes it good or bad. Man may use it for his welfare as well as for warfare. It is a blessing in peace and curse in war.
Science is a blessing. By applying science man has, gained control over nature. Man is no longer a slave to his surroundings. He has conquered time and space. Buses, trains, aero planes enable man to travel more and more distance without any difficulty.
Even on the wide oceans he covers his voyage without any worry. Besides these, there are telephones and-telegraphs which enable man to keep contact with his friends and relatives without any difficulty. So it seems that the world has contracted.
In past, man had no control over the scorching summer and shivering winter. But now man is the master of environment. During summer he uses cooler, electric fans and during winter he uses room heaters to give him warmth.
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Man has many enemies which he could not know in past. But now he has been successful in discovering bacteria, virus and other harmful germs. They are easily seen with microscope and are easily killed by medicines. X-rays, CT scans, Ultra Sound Tests, Laparoscopy are some of the recent developments in medical science with which terrible diseases at remote parts of human body can be detected.
Man, today, enjoys more comforts and luxuries than ever before. He has a much higher standard of living. Better irrigation facilities, improved farming tools, hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers etc. have increased the agricultural output.
After hard work, man needs healthy recreation to relax him. Science has provided radio, cinema, television etc. for our entertainment. Due to the invention and spread of printing press, education has successfully- reached the common man.
Blessings of science are numerous. But this is only one side of the picture. In the past man has many times misused the knowledge of science. In big industries machines are used to increase production. But industrialization has given rise to competition, unemployment and capitalism. Machines have thrown thousands out of employment. Capitalism has caused class-struggle and exploitation of many people.
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Man was safe in past. But now due to the invention of destructive weapons he is unsafe. If ever the Third Worlds War is fought, the entire civilization will come to an end. Science has reduced spiritualism in man and has converted him into a moral pigmy.
If we impartially look at the problems, then we will find that man is responsible for the blessings or curse of science. If science is used properly, then people will live peacefully.