When does science become technology and why does it matter?

[RandomAnthony]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2010/01...

I'm not entirely sure what this means, but I thought some of you might.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

This is interesting, and the thinking behind an awful lot of old horror movies out there, including Frankenstein:

There is, regrettably, a heavy price paid for our identification of science with technology. Once technologies are made available, we frequently discover their limitations, byproducts, and downsides -- refrigeration is a fantastic idea; the hole in the ozone layer is not. Because we primarily learn about science via our experience of its emergent technology, we too often hold science, and hence scientists, responsible when the technology backfires.

Blaming scientists serves another purpose as well. There's an impressive anti-intellectual-elite streak in American culture. "Those scientists are so arrogant, so know-it-all, so sure they're right about everything. And now look at the mess they've made of things." The tone is triumphant. The scientist concept is all-too-often shrouded in ominous Jekyll-Hyde fear. If assigned to portray a scientist in a game of charades, what might first come to your mind is a greedy eureka leer, freaked-out hair, manic arm movements. You'd presumably hesitate to portray an African-American with analogous caricatures. Scientists are fair game.

[RandomAnthony]

That's where I was, too, Buns. Thanks. Whew. Thought it was just me;)

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

I think she's trying to make the point that many people blame science for problems that arise in its uses in technology, and use it as an excuse to distrust science and scientists.
She just takes a long time to say it.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Yes, and the book is also about man's own inhumanity.

Compared to the thoughtful, articulate "monster" who only wants love and companionship, the irresponsible Victor comes off as the unfeeling true monster.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

So, the lesson of Frankenstein is, looks matter? Unless you can tap dance, of course... ;)

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Exactly, Bun! Astaire is not much of a looker, or even much of singer, but it doesn't matter one bit! He's super duper!

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Agreed, and it's still a problem today. People say they prefer inner beauty, but that's not what gets the attention in mass media.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

I do LIKE those old movies with giant spiders and suchs...