The Great Asymmetry Stephen Jay Gould Analysis

Atomic bombs, poisonous gas, guns… The list of destructive technologies founded by science goes on forever with each new invention more efficient at killing than the last. Since the beginning of history, new inventions have been used to kill and enslave countless humans. With the murderous past of scientific advancements, the question is raised: Is science and technology evil or is it good? This question has been debated for centuries with no outcome, but in Stephen Jay Gould’s The Great Asymmetry, Gould proposes a third option which could settle the debate and is obviously the best option for society. The third option, known as The Great Asymmetry, is the idea that science and humanity tends to work for the greater good of society but falters …show more content…
By viewing science with the Great Asymmetry attitude, society will not fear new sciences that will advance and improve our well-being. In place of fearing, society will be aware and respect the risks that science does possess while also experiencing the benefits it has to offer. Currently, we do not see all of the benefits of science. Instead, society focuses on the destruction it causes, but Gould defends us by stating, “Homo sapiens is not an evil or destructive species.” Even though it cannot be denied that humans with technology have spread chaos, Gould was justified by defending humanity because “Human choice, not the intrinsic content of science, determines the outcome.” (Gould). Luckily, society’s current path is towards the betterment of everyone with technology aiding in the advancement. Unfortunately, we stumble causing a disaster to occur that is amplified by technology. These disasters stunt the growth and understanding through fear. We must not let fear control us; by using the Great Asymmetry mindset, society should no longer dwell on these disasters and allow them to hold us back but, rather, can learn from the mistakes made and tread carefully to avoid further mistakes in the