11 – Why science is important

As an advocate for science and especially space science, you often encounter the question: “Why do we need science?”, or the more common wording: “Why should we spend so much money on space research when it can be used for so much good on Earth instead?”

This question has always been a tough one to answer, because the people asking have already made up their mind about science.

I think people take todays technology for granted. They don’t pay much attention to how it came into being, so instead of showing gratitude for science, they complain about unnecessary resources being spent on it.

I have always believed that we might find solutions to problems here on earth by gaining more knowledge about the universe, but I also believe that we cannot predict how or when these solutions will show up. They will probably reveal themselves as a by-product of some other discovery in astrophysics or quantum physics or any other science.

Like the example in the video below, the global positioning system, GPS, would not work without Einstein’s theory of relativity. Scientists back then had no idea that Einsteins discovery would solve the problem of navigation on Earth, just like scientists today cannot immediately see how new cosmic discoveries can solve problems closer to home.

We just need to stay open-minded.

Now enjoy the video of Phil Plait, also known as the bad astronomer, explaining why science is important.

 

Never forget.

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