Accounts Quote by Harry Emerson Fosdick
“...while science gives us implements to use, science alone does not determine for what ends they will be employed. Radio is an amazing invention. Yet now that it is here, one suspects that Hitler never could have consolidated his totalitarian control over Germany without its use. One never can tell what hands will reach out to lay hold on scientific gifts, or to what employment they will be put. Ever the old barbarian emerges, destructively using the new civilization.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, early 20th century lecture on science and ethics
Science provides tools, but human intent decides their use; technology can empower both progress and oppression.
In simple terms: Tools need moral direction.
Key Takeaway
Consider the purpose behind using technology.
Themes
ethics
technology
power
responsibility
history
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- media regulation
- public debate
- technological development
Key Concepts
Utilitarianism
moral philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure ethical use of new inventions?
- Who decides the moral framework for technology?
A Different Perspective
Technology can be misused regardless of intent, making outcomes unpredictable.
![“[T]he more the public is confused, the easier it falls prey to doctrines of pseudo-science which may at some future date recieve the backing of politically powerful groups [...]a renaissance of German quasi-science paralleled the rise of Hitler.” quote by Martin Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a1/martin-gardner-15175_confused_t-he-more-the-public-is-confused-the-eas_2720201.jpg)
![“This [the opening of the Vatican City radio station built by Marconi earlier in 1931] was a new demonstration of the harmony between science and religion that each fresh conquest of science ever more luminously confirms, so that one may say that those who speak of the incompatibility of science…” quote by Pope Pius XI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/208/pope-pius-xi-14323_accounts_this-the-opening-of-the-vatican-city-rad_2454239.jpg)
