This essay, by Sarah Albright, was submitted in response to our June 2016 prompt, “How should we regulate science and technology?”
Lots of people cower like abused animals when they hear of any new, potentially dangerous, experiment being planned. But, just because it is potentially dangerous, doesn’t mean the research shouldn’t be done.
When someone tries to research a topic and do various experiments, they should be encouraged, as long as there are safety measures in place. Whether it be a cure for cancer or a type of weapon, people need to know the risks of exploring them. For example, if someone wants to do experiments for curing a disease, they need to know the risks, and if there are any dangerous outcomes, make sure the public cannot get a hold of it.
If there was a weapon created at any point in time, and if the government feels that it is too dangerous to the public, it should not be allowed out of controlled areas where it is safe. The research of weapons is not bad. Some day it could win us a war, but you just can’t let the weapon become available to the public.
Most people think that if scientists, or anyone else for that matter, are trying to create more dangerous weapons it is a hazard for society. But, if that weapon does not get out to the general population there will be no problem. People should relish the fact that new weapons are being made so that the people fighting for our country can be safer, and in less danger of being killed.
People shouldn’t be afraid of science and technology. I hope in the future more people will think of how these new discoveries could help us rather than how they could be a threat to society.
Sarah Albright is an eighth grader from Texas.
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