Overview of Scientific Impact

The latest advances and discoveries in science have made, and continue to make, a huge impact on our lives. This book is a history of the social impact of science and technology from the beginnings of civilization up to the present.

Key Inventions and Growth of Knowledge

The book explains how the key inventions: agriculture, writing and printing with movable type, initiated an explosive growth of knowledge and human power over the environment.

Industrial Revolution and Environmental Change

It also shows how the Industrial Revolution changed the relationship between humans and nature, and initiated a massive use of fossil fuels.

Modern Challenges

Problems related to nuclear power, nuclear weapons, genetic engineering, information technology, exhaustion of non-renewable resources, use of fossil fuels and climate change are examined in the later chapters of the book.

Ethical Considerations

Finally, the need for ethical maturity to match our scientific progress is discussed.