Expanding Modern Science

• K. Srinivasachari

There is an inherent orderliness in nature. This orderliness (Law-governed order) manifests as rationality in living beings. In humans, this rationality is expressed at a higher level because humans and other living beings are inseparable parts of nature. By systematically understanding nature’s orderliness through rationality, science has emerged. As humanity studies the expanding universe, human knowledge continues to expand. The progress of science enables human advancement.

Although it is currently impossible to precisely determine when human thought began, it can be said that humans are ancient. Recent scientific findings indicate that Homo sapiens sapiens emerged around three hundred thousand years ago. This implies that the age of human thought on Earth is also approximately three hundred thousand years. Compared to the Earth's age, this is a very short span. The cumulative knowledge amassed over this brief period can be regarded as modern science.

Due to continuous observation of various natural phenomena, humans recognized the inherent orderliness in nature. Based on this, they noted recurring events, their frequency, and passed this information to subsequent generations, thereby accumulating knowledge. This knowledge pertains to nature. The journey of human knowledge acquisition has progressed from simple to complex matters.

Initially, human thought was concrete, meaning it focused on tangible, physically observable phenomena. Humans understood the cause-and-effect relationships in natural events and adapted their survival strategies accordingly. However, this stream of thought did not stop there.Human thought evolved from concrete to abstract 

thinking. This meant not only reflecting on what was immediately visible but also recalling past experiences, contemplating non-physical concepts, and imagining possibilities. This led to creativity, the outcome of which is modern science. If there is any great achievement humanity has accomplished since its emergence, it is modern science.

Modern science is the result of human exploration, observation, research, and discoveries. Through scientists’ persistent observation, effort, and technological advancements, new knowledge emerges. Testing old theories and correcting errors form the foundation of scientific expansion. Science has no boundaries or limitations. Every answer leads to new questions. Modern science continually expands the scope of human thought.

Examining human civilization reveals a continuous journey of knowledge. This is a scientific journey. In this journey, humans have constantly questioned, explored, and researched. These relentless efforts are the root causes of the development of science. Science is not merely about technological devices or inventions; it is a reflection of humanity’s highest curiosity, doubts, and quest for discovery. The scientific journey is not limited to the past; every new discovery, theory, and idea expands knowledge, guiding human life toward new horizons.

Through experiences, observations, questions, and experiments, humans have continuously gathered knowledge. In this process, scientific knowledge has expanded into new domains. Specifically:

1. Unveiling Nature’s Mysteries: Initially, humans sought to understand natural elements like the Earth, water, stars, and space. Questions like “Why does it rain?”, “How does the sun rise?”, and “How do plants grow?” laid the foundation for science. The root of science is doubt. Philosophically, science began with doubt. As Socrates said, “A life without inquiry is not worth living.” Science emerged as humans asked “Why?” This inquiry, starting with questions, expanded over time into mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and social sciences. From doubt to truth-seeking, and from truth-seeking to the birth of science.
2. Revolutionary Phases in the History of Science: The stages of scientific expansion stand as monumental revolutions in human history.
   A. The discovery of fire brought changes in survival and food preparation.
   B. The invention of the wheel revolutionized transportation and commerce.
   C. The discovery of electricity impacted industries, communication, lighting, medicine, and virtually every field.
   D. The printing press made knowledge, books, and education accessible to the masses.
   E. Modern medicine, through vaccines, antibiotics, and surgeries, has extended human lifespans.
   F. Space science, including lunar missions, Mars missions, and cosmic exploration, has simplified the quest for universal mysteries.
   G. The information and technology revolution, encompassing the internet, computers, and artificial intelligence (AI), is steering human life in new directions. At every stage, science has elevated human civilization to new heights. Through technological advancements and discoveries, science has expanded further, making life safer and easier. The discovery of electricity alone revolutionized industries, communication, medicine, and many other fields.
3. Science and Philosophy: Philosophically, the expansion of science can be viewed through three main perspectives:
   A. Science as Truth-Seeking: Philosophy asks, “What is truth?” Science asks, “How can it be verified?” While philosophy provides the foundation for questions, science offers observational answers.
   B. Science as Continuous Evolution: No theory is eternal. Newton’s theories sufficed for one era, but Einstein’s theory of relativity revealed deeper truths. Science is not just a final solution; it is a continuous expansion.
   C. Science as Human Liberation: Scientific knowledge has freed humans from fears. Once, lightning was seen as divine wrath; now, it is understood as an interaction of natural forces. This has liberated humanity from ignorance. For this reason alone, humans have overcome the fear of death. Scientific advancements in medicine, such as vaccines, antibiotics, surgeries, organ transplants, and stem cell therapies, have revolutionized healthcare.
4. The Role of Science in Human Welfare: The expansion of science has brought numerous changes to human life. In healthcare, disease prevention and increased lifespans have been achieved. In agriculture, new farming methods, fertilizers, and the Green Revolution have emerged. Transportation has transformed significantly; people who once struggled to travel beyond their villages now cross oceans with ease. Trains, airplanes, and rockets have drastically reduced distance and time. Information has become accessible to all through the internet, mobile phones, and satellite technology. Improved facilities, industries, and education have elevated living standards. These changes are not just technological advancements; they address humanity’s fundamental needs.
5. Space Exploration: Humans landing on the moon, sending missions to Mars, and uncovering cosmic mysteries through telescopes are testaments to scientific expansion. With information technology, knowledge is now just a button away. The benefits of scientific expansion have improved living standards and productivity, turning the world into a “global village.”
6. Science – Challenges and Adverse Effects: Alongside the expansion of science, certain challenges have emerged:
   A. The threat of nuclear weapons and wars poses a constant risk to human survival.
   B. Global warming, air pollution, and information pollution harm the environment and human mental balance.
   C. Technological disparities widen the gap between rich and poor nations.
   D. Cybercrimes are becoming a significant issue, with the potential for misuse of the internet leading to inhumane actions.
   E. Over-reliance on machines and excessive time spent with them may lead to the erosion of human values. However, science and technology are merely tools; whether they are used for human welfare or destruction depends on our choices and rationality.
7. Science – The Future Direction: In the future, science will expand further. Artificial intelligence will mimic human thought. Genetic engineering may prevent diseases. Space colonies could become new human habitats. Quantum computing will usher in a new era in the information revolution. However, the future lies in human hands. We must decide how to use science.
8. Philosophical Lessons of Science: Philosophically, science teaches three key lessons:
   A. Never stop questioning – every question opens a new door to knowledge.
   B. No truth is eternal, only temporary – every truth leads to a deeper truth.
   C. Knowledge is for humanity – the value of science lies in its service to humanity.

Science continues to expand; it does not stop. It is a reflection of humanity’s boundless curiosity, exploration, and pursuit of truth. However, only by using this expansion for human welfare, peace, and equality will science achieve true greatness.The expansion of science is a sign of human progress. It is the result of our curiosity, research, and discoveries. However, true human welfare is possible only through the responsible use of scientific knowledge. Philosophically, the ultimate definition of science is that it is a reflection of human curiosity and a tool for achieving humanistic goals.(Author is the operator of The Humanist Way YouTube channel, Phone number: 7780664115