Monsters of Science

Viktor Frankenstein had two intentions in his creation of the monster. As a man of science, what he wanted to do was create something that could improve human condition. He created a creature that was composed of human elements that we consider to be excellent and beautiful, in order to create a superior species. To add to this, what he was doing was also an advancement in transplant technology and surgery. As soon as he realized that he could create an entire new being out of his own labor, the hunger for power and a god-like nature added to his intentions as well. The disparity between these two intentions cannot be determined however, that which intention was the main one.

This depicts a lesson that Shelley wanted to express in her book, and eventually in the movie adaptation. We sometimes see science and technology as evil, especially those concerning moral dilemmas such as genetic cloning. This is represented in the form of the monster, as a totality of the negative effects that science can cause. This is even more emphasized in the movie adaptation, because instead of being intelligent, the monster was made dumb. Aside from stressing the negative effects that is the monster, the inability of the monster to fully comprehend made his character more erratic and unpredictable, adding to the horror factor of the movie. But the clear difference between Dr. Frankenstein’s intentions shows us that it is not really science that is immoral, but what taints it is the nature of human beings to be selfish and to err. This shows that knowledge and science itself isn’t dangerous, but becomes so through its misuse and abuse by society.

Like the monster, there have been numerous cases in the past and present where science discoveries and inventions have caused such great harm to our society and our world. And this is understood, as no man is truly perfect, but what was lacking in Dr. Frankenstein, and in some scientists, was there lack of responsibility for their actions and the harm that these have caused. This shows us the role that science has in the society, given such a great power to be able to impact the world through inventions and discoveries, they also have the responsibility to use this power for the common good. Morality should always be accompanied in the practice of science, to ensure that it is used only in the best of intentions.

Rferences:

Knipfer, Cody. "Neutral Science, Irresponsible Scientists: Shelley’s Message about Knowledge in “Frankenstein”." A Really Cool Blog. N.p., 26 Apr. 2013. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. <http://www.reallycoolblog.com/neutral-science-irresponsible-scientists-shelleys-message-about-knowledge-in-frankenstein/>.
Schuman, Sharon. "Frankenstein frames moral dilemma for science." The Good Life | Frankenstein frames moral dilemma for science. N.p., 18 June 1987. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. <http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~sschuman/goodlife/frankenstein.shtml>.

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