The Role of Science in Building a Better World: Shifting the Paradigms!!

Ruby Karmacharya

Kathmandu University

The last century was an era of scientific feats and marvels of technology. There were unprecedented developments in science that marked not only the great achievements that man made in terms of accelerating the development but also the ruthless uses of technology that slowly made mankind to raise doubts about its future when left totally with the power of science. It is redundant to discuss the achievements and also the negative impacts of science because these are discussed everywhere else. I would rather prefer to write more about the areas that are unique in the context of science and the society.

An important aspect that had been so far undermined is that the last century not only saw the unimaginable progress in the technological development in all the sectors, but the distribution of development that had been extremely skewed. Hence, this was also the era of increasing inequity and there were significant differences between places in reaping the benefits of development. This, if continues, will create even greater rifts between society and hence the great works in science will be overshadowed. This applies not only to the differences in the level of health care between countries, but also in the advances in information technology and the impacts of climate change. Poor families in sub-Saharan Africa languish with the ravages of HIV/AIDS without even the access to antiretrovirals. A young student in Latin America graduates without having touched a computer. Kids in rural Asia make risky journey of hours just to reach their school. And the list continues. It will be difficult to boast for the marvels of science, when such disparities hover all around. There is no magic solution to this. However, due consideration to pro-poor technologies and simultaneous efforts to bring down the costs will lead to a better world, crafted with the beauties of science. Similarly, the language of researches and the discussions on various issues are generally limited to the handful of few experts. Very few things get understood by common people and they have negligible input in major discussions. Hence, efforts should be taken to make things more understandable and also bringing the common people in the loop. Science represents the truth but truth is not just limited in science. Hence, if attempts are made to incorporate the social views and values, science will definitely be in a better state to have an impact in the world.

Another important aspect in this context is the consideration to human values. Technologies succeed when they are meant to augment human relationship and values, and fail when they tend to replace these. In the frenzy of the new scientific development, scientists very often forget these things. The weapons of mass destruction that were initially thought to curb atrocities are themselves creating the greatest chaos in the world. It is apparent now that peace is not won by war, neither, victories are gained by confrontations. In the long run, understanding this will prove to be the key to success for a better world. Another point linked to this is the harmony with nature. Science can make the world better when it tries to become a friend of nature, not the rival. Momentous glories seemingly thought to be victories against nature are ultimately doomed to fail sooner or later. The grave threats the world is facing with global warming is a testimony to this. Time and again, nature backlashes against the crimes committed against her. Wise will understand this beforehand and hence take precautions not to disturb nature, while fools rush in to create empires by destroying the rules of nature.

As a person who grew up in rural Nepal and having seen the sufferings of the people for the basic lack of health care, I chose to study computer engineering with the hope that someday I shall be able to use the best of the technology to the rural poor. My special interest is in the area of telemedicine. If I were to take any such initiative, I shall start with the relationship building exercise between the rural health workers and the health workers of bigger centers. Studies have shown that there are more effective consultations when people deal with those who they know. After this only I shall train the people on the aspects of technology. Although the road is full of challenges, it is worth trying such a community based and relationship based approach to telemedicine. We may not expect that it solves all the problems, but at least it takes primary health care in developing countries a step ahead, which will pave a road to more successful endeavors of saving lives and reducing human miseries. This is the time to shift paradigms. A better world is created through lives living happily–and together!!