(Author's Note: This was a semi-creative project. We had to address the issues in a persuasive letter rather than a boring ol' report, so please become unconfused as far as the format..)
Scientists are all too ready to lock themselves away with their research, unwilling -
perhaps even incapable - of seeing the consequences of their actions. It is our duty as their
educators to provide them with not only a means to gain knowledge but also insights into
the society into which they will ultimately release their findings. Since none here are
literary or English majors, it may seem difficult at first to integrate such needed
sociological concerns into their current courses of study, so it is our duty to give them
easily-reliable examples which parallel with their own course of study, examples that will
And what better to illustrate and retain attention than a tragedy? I suggest that the
Mary Shelly's novel Frankenstein be included as a central text in the current Humanities
courses required here. The reason Frankenstein may hold more relevance as part of the
program than say, a classical Greek play, is the subject matter alone. Hopefully, the
literary connections are more likely to be drawn, if we can appeal to the students'
interests as best as we can. Perhaps then they are more likely to believe that the
humanities do "have something to do with them."
The specifics it also raises about ethics and responsibilities of science speak more
than enough of the novel's behalf.Many scientists in the far-reaching fields today may
feel overwhelmed, perhaps even taking on a Gaudi-esque credo to their respective
research. That Spanish architect is quoted as saying that he "didn't have time to wonder,"
that he "had to spend all of [his] time working." While this is a commendible work ethic,
such a belief can lead scientists to bring the "curse to mankind&q...