A cost/benefit analysis

Order is the key word of science. Scientists have tried to order and explain all the phenomena of the universe. They found that the planets and stars move along predictable paths, discovered the laws of gravitation and devised formulae to describe inheritance. For them, the universe is like a clock. Their mission is to discover and explain the mechanism of this clock and thus explain the laws that guide all natural phenomena. Faith in the ability of science to explain the world surrounding us gave rise in the 19th century to the movement of Positivism, which was based on the belief that science could ultimately solve all of humankind's problems and which influenced social theories. Positivism is now outdated, but ‘scientistic’ mentality still shapes the thinking and actions of many people, particularly in the Western world. Expressions such as ‘scientifically demonstrated’ or ‘there is no scientific evidence’ are often used as irrefutable arguments.> ‘Scientistic’ mentality still shapes the thinking and actions of many people, particularly in the WestBut as scientists moved forward to bring order into the universe, they found that Nature is more complex than they had anticipated. The ‘complete’ analysis of natural phenomena eventually turned out to be impossible, as by analysing something scientists inevitably modify it. Werner Heisenberg forged the uncertainty principle into mathematical equations and made it an essential part of science.The public, however, still believes in science's ability to provide absolute answers and solutions to whatever ails them. So it is not surprising that after an increasing number of health and environmental disasters–thalidomide/contergan, Chernobyl and BSE, to name a few–they are losing confidence in the scientists who first told them not to worry. As a consequence of this mistrust of new technologies, they now demand that every new technology should be examined for …