Icarus : or, The future of science by Bertrand Russell
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"Icarus; or, The Future of Science" by Bertrand Russell is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book explores the implications of scientific advancement and its potential consequences for humanity, reflecting on the dual nature of science as both a source of progress and a potential catalyst for destruction. In this work, Russell draws comparisons between the myth of Icarus and the present trajectory of scientific development, suggesting that
without ethical considerations and a rational framework, humanity risks repeating Icarus's folly. He discusses the significant impact of the physical sciences on society, including industrialism, nationalism, and the organization of power, while expressing skepticism about whether science will ultimately promote human happiness or further exacerbate societal issues. Russell warns that the empowerment of rulers through scientific advances can lead to greater oppression and social unrest, highlighting the need for a compassionate humanist perspective in the age of science. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Russell, Bertrand, 1872-1970 |
|---|---|
| LoC No. | 24011905 |
| Title | Icarus : or, The future of science |
| Series Title | [To-day and to-morrow series] |
| Credits | Tim Lindell, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 48.3 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | Q: Science |
| Subject | Science |
| Subject | Civilization |
| Subject | Science and state |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 66225 |
| Release Date | Sep 5, 2021 |
| Last Update | Oct 18, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 433 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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