In the 20th century, the world saw huge scientific and technological advances. In physics, quantum theory and the theory of relativity revolutionised the established view of how the Universe works. In biology, the structure of DNA was discovered, establishing such fields as genetic engineering.
Technology, too, saw huge advances, such the invention of the aeroplane, nuclear power, artificial satellites, manned space-flight, medical imaging, global communications, etc.
When this progress is plotted over the period of human civilisation, it appears to be increasing at an exponential rate. This suggests that the 21st century could see an even greater number of scientific and technological breakthroughs than the 20th century. The fantastic power of some of these breakthroughs will require significant ethical debate, as humanity goes from understanding nature, to fully controlling it.
As the physicist and author Michio Kaku says in relation to Humanity's scientific knowledge, "We are now making the transition from amateur chess players to grand masters".
Predicting what new knowledge will be uncovered during this century is difficult, but some experts have speculated on where they see their fields moving over the next 100 years.
21st Century Science - Physics
Physicists are trying to establish a ToE, or Theory of Everything. This all-encompassing theory will possibly merge quantum theory with Einstein's general theory of relativity, along with new knowledge from the areas of cosmology and particle physics. The theory would be a complete scientific theory of how the Universe works. This would leave significantly less room than today for debate as to such questions as the origin of the Universe, the origin of life, and the nature of consciousness. Substantial ethical objects may be felt by some.
21st Century Science - Chemistry
Chemistry, to a huge extent, drives medicine, disease, life and death. Advances in this field will have huge impacts on people’s lives, possibly eradicating many of today's diseases. This increased power, however, could be used for harm, and that potential will lead to numerous ethical concerns.
21st Century Science - Biology
Biology, beyond all other areas, is likely to lead to the majority of ethical scientific debates in the 21st century. It is predicted that within a few decades, babies will be designed - key traits added, and others removed, from the unborn child's genetic makeup. This is good news for the battle against genetic disease, but a moral grey-area when tinkering with strength, intelligence, and appearance.
The science behind the origin of life is likely to be uncovered, plus the further advancement of the theory of evolution, still objected to by some religious groups.
21st Century Science - Technology
Finally, the technology of this century will both amaze and terrify. It is expected that mind-reading devices will become a reality, leading to questions over personal freedom, as well as artificial body-parts, giving some individuals massive physical advantages over others. The area of artificial intelligence is also a potential ethical mine-field, with questions over artificial life and the nature of consciousness hitting the headlines.
The above examples are no doubt the tip of the iceberg, but whatever advances are made, it is clearly going to be a fascinating period in human history.
Further Reading
- Kaku, Michio. Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century. Anchor Books (Oct 1998). ISBN-10: 0385484992 .
- New Scientist - Is Science Out of Control?
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