The Social Influence of Science

Abstract

SOME controversy has taken place lately as to the part played by science in promoting social progress, and an American book appeared in the autumn specially contesting any such claim. The argument is difficult to follow. To those who take a broad view of history it seems obvious that the growing stability of societies, the wider organisation of all kinds of human activities, the quicker transport and closer communication between nations, are all due mainly to the spread of science. To those who look critically at details it seems doubtful whether our societies are really stable, whether life is now happier or nobler than it was in less scientific days, whether the evils and destruction wrought by modern instruments do not outweigh the undoubted advantages that science has brought.