[Work] GRE issue #40
TOPIC: ISSUE40 - "Scholars and researchers should not be concerned with
whether their work makes a contribution to the larger society. It is more
important that they pursue their individual interests, however unusual or
idiosyncratic those interests may seem."
WORDS: 448 TIME: 00:45:00 DATE: 2008/8/11 下午 02:36:18
The speaker asserts that scholars and researchers should be concerned
only with their individual interests, no matter how unusual and idiosyncratic
they are, rather than with the contribution to the society. I tend to
disagree. Though individual interests seem to be the motivation to do
researches, scholars and researchers should consider the effect of their work
on the society: the research should be valuable and have no negative
influence.
Admittedly, creative works often result from the eagerness of
scientists. Scientists and scholars usually have more fresh ideas than
others. These ideas may not seem useful or normal to the public, but they may
have surprising influence to the world. When Brother Wright were trying to
invent flying machines, they worked out of their own interest. Therefore,
some might argue that individual interests are the only motivation of
invention. I concede that it can be one of the aims of researchers and
scholars but not the only.
However, public benefits can also be a source of researches. Works
contributing greatly to the society is more valuable than those contributing
less. Crazy ideas can be working sometimes, but scientists and scholars who
are concerned about the public needs will have more supports and higher
esteems. In the space competition between America and Russia years ago, each
nation's scientists tried their best to develop the latest techniques ahead
of the other. This competition, out of benefits of the nation, contributed
greatly to human beings. Medical development is another instance. Nations
offer resources and funds for the scientists, hoping that their researches
can benefit the society. Space techniques and medical development-- the cases
demonstrating researchers and scientists can work for a better society.
What is more, scholars and scientists should consider whether their work
has any negative effects on the society. History shows that some inventions
damaged the world. Take nuclear weapons for example. When nuclear weapons
were created, they are seen as creative. If the inventor thought carefully
about the possible harm they may cause to the society, they would choose not
to produce these weapons. Similarly, drugs can be used in the right way and
the wrong way as well. The researchers could know the bad effect it will
bring about in the process of invention. If they do not have to be
responsible for the duty, as the speaker claims, they will lead the society
to a worse situation. They should prevent the harmful situations form
happening with their profession.
In sum, self interests do stimulate creative ideas, however, scholars
and scientists should take the public benefits and the possible influences
into consideration. Those who are concerned with their own unusual and
idiosyncratic ideas can be dangerous and worthless.
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