Why is science important?

Posted on 14. Mar, 2010 by Iwind in Science

The word “Science” is derived from the Latin word “Scientia” which means “To know”. The world as we know it today owes its development and growth to the innovations of science. Science is a systematic method of providing a rational explanation for things that drive this world. Initially, science was restricted to providing explanations for things that confounded man – nature specifically and natural phenomena which could not be explained by the bounds of human knowledge.

Man has been a curious creature. This curious streak has allowed man to overcome his fears and expand the horizon of knowledge. Most of his irrational fears have been alleviated by the systematic study of things (that is science right there for you) around him. Science provides rationale. It helps broaden the realm of human understanding.

Our everyday life, right from the time we wake up from bed to the time we go to sleep, is heavily influenced by science. The act of cooking food is science in motion. You put in all the ingredients necessary to concoct a scrumptious meal, steam/bake/sauté it in a frying pan. What ensues is a fusion of molecules, a mish mash of ingredients under the effect of heat, giving the desired flavor and taste to the food that appeals to our gastronomic senses.

Science is important because it has given us the tools and the knowledge to attain greater heights. The comforts that we enjoy are fruits of scientific innovation – the television, the mobile phone, why even the computer was created as a result of scientific exploration. Cutting edge technology has heightened our level of comfort, enriching our lives by improving the quality of life.

In a broader sense, science is a tool – it is a tool that enables us to understand and reason things beyond our cognitive abilities. It is a systematic method of acquiring knowledge based on scientific reasoning. Science allows us to question principles and facts – it is the harbinger of truth.

There are many things that we do not know. Science provides a way to broaden our perceptions and understanding. Several unanswered questions have found rational explanations through the application of science and this has resulted in creating a wider ambit of knowledge.

The realm of understanding is increasing, but proportional to this increase is the region of ignorance. Science therefore becomes important as it allows us to expand our knowledge, shattering our ignorance and leading mankind to greater heights. Had inventions not been made, life as we know it today would still have been primitive. It is this constant yearning, this constant hunger to conquer the unknown, which has led to many scientific discoveries. Science is very relevant in today’s life. Science is important in a way – it is the tool that provides the impetus to improve our lifestyle, expanding the realms of human understanding.

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