Jasper Li

• Discuss how knowledge from I&S and chemistry helps better understand complex issues and  enables action

I&S studies individuals and societies and it encompasses a wide range of topics such as history, geography, and economics, that provide valuable insight for our topic. This gives us economic and political context surrounding an issue. Since I&S is a branch of social sciences, the most valuable insight given are the social dynamics surrounding these issues. In our case, which is the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, it revealed the rapid attempt of industrialization in Bhopal, motivated by economic purpose that prioritized industrial growth over safety. And this negligence from corporate companies led to the death of tens of thousands over one small accident. I&S gave us a perspective that allows us to better understand the interconnectedness between economic incentives and social dynamics. Chemistry brings up a different but equally important perspective to our issue. Rather than the event, chemistry focuses more on the chemical itself used in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Methyl Isocyanate, or MIC for short, has severe consequences on human health if exposed to. Understanding this chemical helps us to be more aware and prepare preventive measures and how to mitigate effects of the gas. This study of the gas also showed us the short and long term effects on human health and environment, which connects us to I&S, as seen with how humans handle the situation afterwards. Chemistry, in this study, allowed us to understand the intricate details behind this destructive disaster. 

• Did this change your perspective on chemical or technological developments? 

I don’t think this really changed my perspective on chemical and technological development and I will always advocate for the further progression of mankind. However, my main takeaway from this interdisciplinary unit is the importance of safety in industrial practices. While I like new advancements in technology, I believe that it is important to maintain ethical integrity while doing so, especially in the safety of workers and people around the area. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy serves as a warning on the devastating impact something can have if economic motivations lead to negligence. 

• How do science and I&S overlap in a real world context? 

There are many examples where science and I&S overlap, the main example I think of when it comes to this question is healthcare. Science focuses on the actual medical and health sciences, such as research to combat diseases and developing treatment and the other biological aspects of the human body. I&S focuses more on the societal impact of healthcare, how effective and needed it is, then using the information to make policies relating to it and continue adjusting these policies as new information comes in. Another example where science and I&S overlap is in the development of new technologies and innovations. Science advances technology and finds solutions to problems. I&S once again learn about the social implications of said technologies and addressing issues such as ethical concerns and impact of technology on communities.

• Did this help you address real-world issues?

Somewhat. The main focus of our topic was pretty niche since methyl isocyanate is not a very talked about chemical. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is also a few decades old so I can’t say our topic really talks about real world mainstream issues today. However, despite not being the focus of our research, I did learn about the ethics in working in places like these, with dangerous jobs and low pay. While not all of this information is written on the pamphlet, I believe this is still a very relevant topic today, albeit not as serious as it was before. 

• Are science and technological developments always worth the potential harms?

I believe yes. As said above, I am an advocate for further technological progression. My main motive behind this is just to make life easier and keep things interesting. This isn’t a very enticing motivation but I don’t see how it is possible for us to stay the same while everything around us changes. I did say that I believe that we should maintain ethical integrity, and I still do, at least when it comes to humans. I just think that there are so many possibilities out there that haven’t been explored and letting things stay the same would be such a waste. So even if it is only one step, we should all strive to move forward. After all, every journey starts with one step.