A Dilemma--A Layman Looks at Science

A Dilemma—A Layman Looks at Science

Short Answers

1 What, according to the author, is the first reaction of a layman to the bomb on Hiroshima?

On 6 August 1945, atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima by the USA. It killed thousands of people. The incident showed the impact of science on human life. It left everyone stunned and confused. Above all, the layman was frightened by science, as never before.

2 What question troubles our minds when we hear about science and research?

The question that troubles our minds is—‘What is the use of gifts of science like radio, automobile, penicillin etc. when the same science can cause destruction taking away many lives?'

In other words, Science has given mankind many gifts. But, when the same science can destroy mankind, what is the use of those gifts? This is the question that troubles our minds.

We have always thought research and technology are related to human welfare. Now, we are deeply troubled by the realization that man’s brain can create things, which he may not be able to control.

3 What is the scientific dilemma with which a layman's life is linked to?

Science is the search for truth and truth is worth discovering. We have been successful in widening our knowledge but at the same time, we have put ourselves into danger. The life on planet is in danger. The scientific dilemma is, whether to risk the human life and go ahead in finding out the truths or to control science in order to protect the layman's life.

4 What is the dilemma we face with regard to science when we hear about the destructive nature of science and research?

Science can be used in both the ways—constructive and destructive. We face the dilemma when we hear about the destructive nature of science. We tend to ask our scientists to distinguish the truth—truth that furthers the well being of mankind and truth that threatens it. We are in doubt whether we could ask the scientists to foresee the results—good or evil.

5 Is it possible to have a scientific invention without any evil effects? Why or why not?

Every invention has its pros and cons. We can't say that certain invention has no evil effects. It depends on how the invention is used. 

The dangerous sulphur drugs and mustard gas are the byproducts of German dye industry. The atomic bomb is based on one of the Principles of Einstein's famous transformation equation. We can't blame science for that. We can’t expect an invention without any evil effects because it’s the man’s mind that uses it for evil. Science doesn’t create war; it only discovers the weapons that may be used in the war.  

     

6 Who is responsible for the destructive use of scientific inventions--science or people?

Scientific inventions can be used either for constructive or for destructive uses. People are entirely responsible for which way it is used. Science gives the outcomes of its researches. The gifts of science can be used by evil men to do evil more obviously than they can be used by men of goodwill to do good.

7 On what does the nature of science depend?

Science reflects the social forces by which it is surrounded. When there is peace, science is constructive; when there is war, science is perverted to destructive ends. The weapons science gives do not create war; they make war more terrible. The nature of science depends on the way it is used by the society.

8 Who can help us to solve the problem of science?

Education and understanding will be able to solve the problem of science. We should understand that science is finding the truth and in that process, there may be some mishaps. Usage of science for good or bad depends on the people and their thought process. Education gives us that knowledge to understand. 

Long Answer Questions

1 is it possible to clear the dilemma that the layman has in mind? If yes, how can we clear it? If no, why can't we clear the dilemma?

Science is the search for truth and it is worth discovering. The discoveries of science are for human welfare. Humans enjoy the gifts of science. The layman was terrified by science when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The bomb left the world in deep shock; people realized how destructive science could be. The layman was in a dilemma, whether he could ask the scientists to look at the consequences of his discovery or not.

Science pushes the boundaries of knowledge and discovers things. But what is the use of science if it pushes the mankind to the doorstep of death? Can this be controlled? Can science be merely for the benefit of the mankind? Can there be an invention without negative ends? Can we ask our scientist to foresee the results? Can we ask them to look at the good and evil consequences of their discoveries? Can we blame our scientists for the evil consequences? Can we demand our scientists to take the entire responsibility of their discoveries? All these questions trouble the layman and put him in a dilemma.

There is no easy way out for this dilemma. There is scarcely any formula that cannot be used in a war. In brief, the gifts of science can be used by evil men to do evil more than they can be used by men of goodwill to do good. The towering enemy of mankind is not science, but war. It is war that has to be stopped and not the science. Education helps us understand the value of science and scientists. It helps us in making the decision.

2 Do you think the scientist is right when he said, 'A scientist cannot hold back progress because of fears of what the world will do with his discoveries'? Substantiate your answer with examples.

One of the scientists who played a leading role in the development of the atomic bomb has said, 'A scientist cannot hold back progress because of the fears of what the world will do with his discoveries'. We can't say that he is totally right or wrong. He is partially right. 

If a scientist fears probable outcomes, he cannot take a daring step. It hinders the growth of science. And, a scientist can't be blamed for how the science is used. It may be used for good or for evil; for social or anti-social purposes. The way it is used depends on the intentions of the humans. Science can bring happiness or may tear the world into pieces. If a scientist holds himself from discovering, there wouldn’t be any progress at all.

However, a scientist has due responsibility of his discovery. He has to be able to foresee the evil effects it might cause. He can proceed if they are minor and should stop if it might have disastrous effects.The atomic bomb is based on one of the Principles of Einstein's famous transformation equation. We can’t blame the scientist for that. But we have every right to blame the scientists who took part in making the atomic bomb, fully aware of its consequences. They know how dangerous it is. They have to hold them back in such cases where science causes destruction than progress.

3 Describe any modern invention with its positive and negative effects on the society.

Science discovers and invents things. There are several latest inventions round the world like the Levitating bulb which floats in air, the folding helmet which is easy to carry, cannabis that could replace pills, the drone which sow seeds and which take photographs etc.

The Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru has come up with many useful innovations in science and technology and healthcare in 2017—devices for detecting heart conditions and malaria, affordable cataract lenses, purifying water at nanoscale level, solar water purifier etc.

I would like to describe ‘Tires that spin in every direction—Eagle 360’ developed by Goodyear. They have reinvented their wheels. Its spherical concept tire, which debuted in March 2016, allows cars to move in many new directions including sideways into a parallel space and at specific angles and speeds to counteract slippery surfaces.

The key, says Sebastien Fontaine, an industrial designer at Goodyear, is magnetic levitation. The traditional tires are bolted to cars whereas the Eagle 360s hover beneath them, free from the limits of steering.

This invention would make our lives more comfortable by enabling the car to be parked sideways. Many parking problems would be solved with these tires. This invention unfolds a new dimension of wheels.

However, these tires are meant only for self-driven cars. The designers are looking for various companies to work together. They may hit the roads in coming 5 years. The invention of these tires might increase the risk of road accidents as the car moves in various unexpected directions. Also, the tires would be more expensive.

Vocabulary

List any five derived adjectives ending with the suffixes given. You may pick some of them from the text above. Also indicate the words they are derived from

Suffix	Derived Adjective	Derived from
-ic	atomic	atom
	historic	History
	dramatic	Drama
	specific	Specify
	economic	Economy

Suffix	Derived Adjective	Derived from
-ous	studious	Study
	callous	Callus
	dangerous	Danger
	courageous	Courage
	famous	fame

Suffix	Derived Adjective	Derived from
-ive	active	Act
	initiative	Initiate
	effective	Effect
	creative	Create
	destructive	Destruct

Suffix	Derived Adjective	Derived from
-able/ible	Reliable	Rely
	adaptable	Adapt
	comparable	compare
	deniable	Deny
	responsible	response

2. Which of the following adjectives are derived and which are not?

Derived adjectives—atomic, realistic, stupendous, studious, callous, famous, responsible

Non-derived adjectives—palpable, possible, serious, capable, probable, plastic, preliminary, drastic

3. What are other suffixes from which you can form derived adjectives?

suffix	Derived adjectives
-ed	Bewildered, confused
-ing	Drifting, increasing

B. Synonyms and Antonyms

1. Match the word with its synonym

Wonderful—stupendous

Careless—irresponsible

Cruel—callous

Amazed—stunned

Exceptional—unprecedented

2. Fill in the blanks with the antonym of the given word

i) constructive

I worry about the destructive effect that violent films may have on children.

ii) disavowal

Although they said nothing, she could sense their affirmation of her suggestions.

iii) fervent

These days, youth are very cold/indifferent about politics.

iv) Significance

Everything else that happened in my life seems insignificant except that one event.

v )momentary

Did any of your teachers make a permanent/lasting impression on you?

Meaning and usage

Indistinguishable (similar)        repercussions(results/consequences)        endangered (in danger) Bewildered (uncertain/confused)                 unprecedented (never before)

a. Corruption in the country has reached an unprecedented level. It is difficult to curb.

b. These photocopies are so good that they are indistinguishable from the originals.

c. Arriving in the city with strange people at night, I felt alone and bewildered.

d. Any decrease in tourism could have serious repercussions on the economy.

e. They are endangered animals. We must help them survive.

2. Use the words in your own sentences.

a.realistic

A realistic novel leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

b.constructive

Constructive criticism    from teachers helps the students improve academically.

c.dramatic

There were many dramatic incidents recently in Chennai politics.

d.stunned

We could see the stunned faces of public when Mr. Trump made the announcement about foreign immigrants.

e.drifting

The drifting seaweed went wherever the currents pushed it.

f.irresponsible

The irresponsible citizens of India fill the roads with litter.

An irresponsible student damages his career himself.

g.legitimately

A legitimately acceptable solution is preferable for any problem.

h.increasingly

The college timings became increasingly uncomfortable and tiring.

i.apprehension           

They felt sick with apprehension.

j.momentary

There was a momentary silence when it was announced that coming Sunday is a working day.

GRAMMAR

A. Say against each adjective, whether it is attributive or predicative or both

busy	both	A busy man/ the man is busy
wooden	attributive	Wooden table
afraid	predicative	The child was afraid
preliminary	attribute	Preliminary results
cunning	attributive	Cunning animal
secondary	attributive	Secondary education
sure	both	A sure bet/ I am sure
criminal	attributive	Criminal brain

B. Fill in the table with comparative and superlative forms

Adjective	comparative	superlative
courageous	More courageous	Most courageous
Busy	busier	Busiest
much	more	Most
round	--	--
far	farther	Farthest
lonely	lonelier	Loneliest
sleepy	--	--
expensive	More expensive	Most expensive
little	less	least
correct	--	--

C. Derived adjectives (present participle and past participle forms)

Derived adjective	Example phrase
confusing	Confusing statements
amazing	Amazing trip
bored	Bored students
excited	Excited children
damaging	Damaging words
Interesting	Interesting topic
tired	Tired mother
puzzled	Puzzled brother
frustrated	Frustrated public
fascinating	Fascinating story

Correction of sentences

1.      Visakhapatnam is further from Hyderabad than Vijayawada.

Visakhapatnam is farther from Hyderabad than from Vijayawada.

2.      She was carrying an asleep baby in her lap.

She was carrying a sleeping baby in her lap.

3.      This chain is golden.

This is golden chain.

4.      Kiran is more strong than Kishore.

Kiran is stronger than Kishore.

5.      Prem is elder to me.

Prem is elder to me.

6.      This the more difficult task of all.

This the most difficult task of all.

7.      This fellow is worst than you.

This fellow is worse than you.

8.      Charlie is a smartest boy in the class.

Charlie is the smartest boy in the class.

9.      He is one of the tallest student in the class.

He is one of the tallest students in the class.

10.  Could you give me a more red ink pen please?

Could you give me a redder ink pen please?

11.  His answer is more correct than mine.

His answer is correct than mine.

12.  This book is superior than that.

This book is superior to that.

13.  It is better of the two books.

It is better of the two books.

14.  Peter is more intelligent and wiser than his sister.

Peter is wiser and more intelligent than his sister.

15.  Sheela is better than any Kabaddi player.

Sheela is better than any other Kabaddi player.