Michelle Catena
Dr. Oguine
English 1201 ZRC
16 November 2001
Science: The Misplaced Blame Science has been the producer of many great technologies and advancements in society, including cars, Dr. Frankenstein’s monster, and computers. Despite the many positive results of these innovations, there are times when they lead to serious problems. Often, the blame for these mishaps is placed on the scientist or creator, when in most cases the users are to blame. In James Q. Wilson’s “Cars and Their Enemies,” cars are not to blame for the accidents they may cause. Instead, the fault should be that of the driver of the vehicle and his ignorance of driving regulations. In both Mary Shelley’s essay, “Frankenstein” and the film Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein takes the power of God into his own hands and tries to create life from death. He misuses advancements in science and creates a monster that causes much destruction. Todd Oppenheimer’s “The Computer Delusion,” also shows how society is becoming more dependent on the use of computers. Though computers can lead to harm and decrease the abilities and learning capacity of a person’s mind, the inventors of the computer are not to blame, instead those who rely too highly on the use of computers should take the blame. In fact, science has been subjected to much blame and criticism for the problems facing society, when in actuality, the blame should be placed on those who misuse the technologies and advancements of science. First, people seem to think that cars are a destructive product in society. This, however, is not true because cars can be very beneficial. “The automobile is more flexible, more punctual, supplies greater comfort, provides for carrying more parcels, creates more privacy, enables one to select fellow passengers, and for distances over a mile or more, requires less time travel” (Wilson 308). Automobiles provide an easier way of life and the only time when cars may lead to tragedy or destruction is when the person operating the vehicle is ignorant and does not use proper judgment. When automobile accidents lead to death, injuries, and destruction, caused by drunk or careless drivers, society misplaces the blame on the vehicle itself. But as Wilson puts it, “youngsters - those between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four - are much more likely than older persons to be impulsive risk-takers who find pleasure in reckless bravado” (304). Drunk driving accidents are some of the leading causes of death, and such drivers are usually young people, therefore, they must take responsibility for such incidents. Another problem with cars is traffic congestion. Motorists are enraged at the amount of traffic on highways, especially during rush hours. But, the cause of such congestion on the roads is not the cars, it is the number of people who are constantly traveling at the same time. In fact, the invention of the car has made “the lives of most people freer and more pleasurable” (Wilson 303). Although many accidents, deaths, or problems in society involve cars, people should not be quick to pass judgment. The controller of the vehicle must assume all responsibilities for whatever problems their vehicles might cause. The user is the only person at fault and not the invention. Another example of a destructive innovation that people blame science for is seen in both Mary Shelley’s essay, and also the film, Frankenstein. In these works, Dr. Frankenstein uses the knowledge and advancements of science to produce life from death. During this experiment, he changes from a man who loves and cares for his family, to a mad scientist who tries to take the power of God into his own hands, “I thought that if I could bestow animation upon lifeless matter, I might in process of time renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption” (Shelley 232). His experiment, though an advancement in science, changes his love for everyone in his life,
