Topic 2 science and technology

Science is important to most people living in the modern world for a number of reasons. Everybody agrees that the tremendous advances that have been made in science and technology over the last century have transformed the life style of millions of people all over the world. Developments in science and technology are changing the world very rapidly. The development of microchip technology has had such a deep effect on the way we live every day. The computer has become an essential part of our life and these days lots of people can hardly imagine their life without it. In particular, science is important to world peace and understanding, to the understanding of technology, and to our understanding of the world.

Science is important to world peace in many ways. On one hand, scientists helped to develop many of the modern tools of war. On the other hand, they have also helped to keep the peace through research which has improved life for people. Scientists have helped us understand the problem of supplying the world with enough energy; they have begun to develop a number of solutions to the energy problem- for example, using energy from the sun and from the atom. Scientists have also analysed the world's resources. We can begin to learn to share the resources with the knowledge provided to us by science. Science studies the Universe and how to use its possibilities for the benefit of men.

Science is also important to everyone who is affected by modern technology. Many of the things that make our lives easier and better are the results of advances in technology and, if the present patterns continue, technology will' affect us even more in the future than it does now. In some cases, such as technology for taking salt out of ocean water, technology may be essential for our lives on Earth.

The study of science also provides people with understanding of natural worlds. Scientists are learning to predict earthquakes, are continuing to study many other natural events such as storms. Scientists are also studying various aspects of human biology and the origin and developments of the human race. The study of the natural world may help improve life for many people all over the world.

However, no technological advances could have been possible without the genius and talent of the outstanding people in many countries, whose discoveries and inventions contributed to the world’s progress. The list of their names is really impressive, when we think of earlier inventions as well, for example, the invention of the wheel, or the early steam-engine, or the discovery of radium, or penicillin and many many others. I would like to tell you about ….

A basic knowledge of science is essential for everyone. It helps people find their way in the changing world. In a sense, the history of science and technology is the history of all mankind.