Is Knowledge Truly Power?
Science is a truly active field, as testified by the constant flow of new discoveries, developments, and technological solutions, which continue to raise the bar for new achievements. Every year, scientists around the world are making breakthroughs capable of improving life on earth and changing our perception of reality. Each event of this kind serves as a reminder of the incredible things the human mind is capable of. New information technologies and advances in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and biotechnology are once again promising to fundamentally change our way of life. People have enormous belief in the potential of science to solve if not all, then a great many problems facing humanity. Indeed, scientific advancements can help greatly improve quality of life. Any sustainable development model that meets the needs of the current generation without adversely affecting the next generation envisages a major role played by science. Are there any limits as far as development is concerned? Where will we discover the boundaries of possibility to lie in the near future? To what degree are concepts such as growth and development compatible with concerns surrounding the environment, the economy, and society? What influence do external factors exert? And does science really hold the answers to all our questions?