Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival
Vladimir Keilis-Borok (1921 – 2013)
About the author
· Vladimir Keilis-Borok was a Russian mathematical geophysicist and seismologist. He taught at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was the research group leader of the International Institute for Earthquake Prediction Theory and Mathematical Geophysics, Russian Academy of Science.
· He was also Co-director (and founder) of the Research Programme on non-linear dynamics and earthquake prediction of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste.
Central Idea of the text
In the essay ‘Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival’, Keilis-Borok says about his profession as a scientist, and views that science is the humankind’s indispensable guardian and caretaker.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
Scientist gets freedom, camaraderie and independence instead of big money. The honours and promotions depend on the scientists themselves more than in other occupations.
b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
The problem is concerned with detecting the violation of agreement to stop the test of the new nuclear weapons. Suppose that:
i. the nuclear powers had signed agreement to stop the test of the new nuclear weapons, and
ii. one of the participants had violated this agreement and secretly made an underground nuclear explosion. The problem is: how can the other powers detect the violation?
c. In which area did Keilis Borok’s theoretical knowledge have a direct application?
Kilis Borok’s theoretical knowledge had a direct application in the area of survival of the humankind.
d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit?
The important decision that the politicians took before Geneva Summit was to ban nuclear test.
e. What are the natural and man-made disasters as mentioned by the author?
As mentioned by the author, the natural disaster particularly refers to earthquake and it also refers to environmental catastrophes. Unlike natural disasters, man-made disasters are self-inflicted destruction of megacities, economic and social crises. It also includes an outburst of mass violence, rendering large part of our world inhabitable and triggering global economic depression.
Reference to the context
a. The professional addressed as ‘you’ in the sentence “If you are clever, why are you so poor?” refers to a ……...
i. lawyer ii. Doctor iii. scientist iv. businessman
Justify your choice.
‘You’ refers to a scientist. Unlike businessmen, lawyers and doctors, a scientist do not enjoy much higher income. He/she receives major reward from the discovery itself. Instead of big money a scientist gets freedom, camaraderie and independence.
b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva”. “What does it express?
The statement “I found myself in Geneva” expresses the fact that he was invited to Geneva meeting after an American scientist, Frank Press quoted his work while arguing with Moscow experts. It was the meeting of technical experts from three powers possessing nuclear weapons.
c. Are the following statements true? Why or why not? Discuss with your partner.
i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources.
It is false because intellectual resources make one independent and popular among people. Such resources keep people happy and satisfied, to quote a French proverb “Nobody is satisfied with his wealth, everybody is satisfied with his wisdom”.
ii. Intellectual resources help survival of the mankind.
This is absolutely true. Intellectual resources could give us efficient defense from terrorism cure from fatal diseases, new sources of energy, new mineral deposits and new forms of transportation.
iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters.
It is true. Only the basic research can create a springboard for developing new disaster preparedness industry. Such research enables human to be prepared for the potential natural disaster and to avoid man-made disaster.
d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is the humankind’s survival?
The essayist justifies that scientific research is the humankind’s survival by stating the significance of science in medical advancement and avoiding threat to human civilization. The threat stands for both man-made and natural disasters which can destroy humanity. Scientific research allows human to prevent man-made disasters and to be prepared for the natural ones.
e. What can be the purpose of the essayist of using quotations in the essay?
The essayist’s purpose of using quotations in this essay is to make his argument more persuasive and convincing. He makes use of a quotation from the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and a famous French proverb to support his idea on the importance and need of scientific research for survival of humankind.
f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.
The writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world is obvious when we observe the application of scientific research on technological advancements, all new brands of industry from defense to entertainment and medical advancements. His very stand is evident even in his claim that scientists were able to work out a solution which eventually allowed politicians to reach one of the most important decisions of their times: nuclear test ban.
Reference beyond the text
a. Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.
The statement, “Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons” is taken from the essay ‘Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival’. This statement indicates the threat of Mutually Assured Destruction.
At the time when the Soviet Union, United States and United Kingdom were possessing nuclear weapons every man, woman and child on the Earth lived under the threat of annihilation by nuclear weapon. Each superpower had more than enough nuclear bombs to destroy the others in the first strike. But in the 20 minutes it took for the rockets to reach the targets, the other side had plenty of time to launch retaliation strikes ensuring the destruction of their enemies only a few minutes later.
To conclude, this statement discusses the threat caused by the increasing test of new nuclear weapons. The Soviet Union, United States and United Kingdom widely known as three powers were continuing nuclear tests meaning making even stronger bombs, introducing even more imbalance into the global nuclear standoff.
b. The essayist says, ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us.’ Explain it.
The essayist says, ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us’ meaning scientific research can be used for survival and well-being of humankind. He illustrates the scientist’s effort to work out a solution that allow politicians to reach the decision to ban nuclear test that is likely to destroy human existence in case they lack wisdom. His claim seems to be true even when we look at technological and medical advancements along with other inventions and discoveries that make human life secured, easy and comfortable.
c. Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it.
Science can be discussed both as a blessing and a curse, depending on how it is used. On the one hand, scientific advancements have greatly improved the quality of life. From the progress in medical treatments to the invention of technologies that make daily tasks easier, the contributions of science are undeniable.
Science is a field of knowledge and discovery that has transformed the world we live in. Its impact on society has been remarkably positive, making it a blessing rather than a curse. From advances in medicine to new technologies that improve our daily lives, the contributions of science have made the world a better place. To quote Vladimir Keilis-Borok, “Science is an exciting adventure where major reward comes from the discovery itself”.
One of the key ways that science has blessed humanity is through the development of life-saving medical treatments. Thanks to scientific advancements, people now have access to vaccines, drugs, and surgeries that can cure diseases and extend life. For example, the discovery of antibiotics has saved millions of lives by treating bacterial infections, and the development of vaccines has eradicated many diseases that were once widespread.
Another way that science has been a blessing is through the creation of new technologies that have revolutionized the way we live. The invention of the Internet, for instance, has made access to information and communication much easier and more convenient. Similarly, the development of smartphones has made it possible for people to stay connected with friends and family no matter where they are in the world.
Science has also led to new and innovative ways of solving problems and improving the quality of life for people around the world. From innovations in renewable energy to advances in agriculture that have increased crop yields, science has helped to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Despite its many blessings, some people argue that science can also be taken as a curse. For example, some technological advancements have negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution and climate change. However, these negative impacts are not inherent to science itself, but rather the result of poor choices and a lack of consideration for the long-term consequences of our actions.
To sum up, science is a blessing not a curse. Its impact on society has been significantly positive, making the world a better place for countless people. By continuing to pursue scientific knowledge and discovery, we can address many of the world's challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. According to Vladimir Keilis-Borok, “If humanly used, science is their indispensable guardian and caretaker”.
