genetically modified food

Scientific uncertainties have emerged as a hot topic in academic circles at home and abroad. For example, genetically modified food has great implications for the ecosphere yet typically reflects scientific uncertainties.

“While science-society relations have strengthened, factors including politics, economy and culture have fueled uncertainties in science,” said Yin Jie, deputy director of the Research Center for the Philosophy of Science and Technology at Shanxi University.
 

Xu Fei, a professor from the Teaching and Research Department of Technology and Philosophy at the University of Science and Technology of China, said that uncertainties of science are closely linked to its reputation for being correct beyond dispute. When uncertainties arise, so does confusion among many people. “Discussing the uncertainties may deepen people’s understanding of science,” added Xu.

“There are major uncertainties related to science, its technical function and people’s subjective will,” said Ye Liguo, an associate professor from the School of Marxism Studies at China University of Petroleum in Dongying, Shandong Province, adding that understanding needs to be improved at a theoretical and practical level to address these uncertainties.
 

Although the uncertainties of science may bring certain risks, scientific research cannot be undervalued, Yin said. “First, studying uncertainties reflects a necessary stage of science improving itself. Second, the uncertainties are always accompanied by debates, leading to the prosperity of science and problem-solving. Third, the uncertainties pose a challenge to the traditional experience and guide the revolution of ideas,” said Yin.
 

Progress of society depends on not only the promotion of science and technology but also the support of the humanities and social sciences. Duan Weiwen, a research fellow from the Institute of Philosophy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the most important aim is revealing and analyzing the nature, process, mechanism and degree of the influence on society. “The whole process cannot depart from the participation of the humanities and social sciences,” said Duan.
 

“In order to avoid risks, science itself needs to develop to strengthen the cognitive and predictable capabilities of people and reduce uncertainties,” said Yin. He also said that it is necessary to transform the traditional way of thinking and allow more entities to engage in the mechanism of knowledge production and decision-making.
 

“Separation of natural and social sciences leads to uncertainties emerging as technology and society mix together, which requires the integration of both these two sciences to resolve the problem,” said Yin.
 

Yin also said that one of the significant reasons for increased risks, crises and disasters is that some scientific and technical workers lack moral ideas. He suggested that the humanities and social sciences should play an important role in constructing people’s values, morality, sense of responsibility, ideals and faith to promote the integration of humanistic and scientific thoughts and methods.