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Science is a magnificent force, but it is not a teacher of morals. It can perfect machinery, but it adds no moral restraints to protect society from the misuse of the machine. It can also build gigantic intellectual ships, but it constructs no moral rudders for the control of storm tossed human vessel. It not only fails to supply the spiritual element needed but some of its unproven hypotheses rob the ship of its compass and thus endangers its cargo.

William Jennings Bryan#7

EthicsMoralityMoralsScienceTechnology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Science advances capability but lacks moral guidance, leaving society vulnerable to misuse of technology.
In plain terms
Science builds tools but does not teach right from wrong.
What can you take from it?
Technology needs ethical oversight to be safe.

Where it applies

  • tech development
  • policy making
  • education

Putting it to work

  • coding ethics
  • research guidelines
  • regulation

Questions to consider

  • How do we teach ethics in tech?
  • Can progress exist without morality?

Another view

Science often drives moral frameworks rather than just following them.

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