Week Four - Discussion Question: Science without Social Responsibility

I think this is a two-fold problem.

1. I think the awareness of how harmful by-products from science affects our planet and health is a newer concept. This is one arena where I think governmental regulations play a HUGE role, and these regulations were just not present and/or strictly enforced. As our awareness grows and we see a grim future if changes are not made, stricter regulations can be enacted and enforced especially as this becomes not just local or industry-specific policy, but a world-wide policy to do all we can to reduce non-green by-products.

2. Capitalism. With new innovations and pharmaceutical products come huge monetary returns. In our capitalistic driven society, there is certainly a no holds barred attitude when it comes to science and its capabilities. Even if that means that our planet and our health suffers at its expense. Many companies have this tunnel vision in keeping their eye on the prize, and thus social responsibility just isn't their concern when the bucks are rolling in.