by Steven Shapin’s book “The Scientific Revolution,” is an excellent assessment of how scientific discovery and theory in the seventeenth century began to shape the landscape for the future of science. Most interestingly, Shapin pondered how scientific discovery had an impact on institutions like religion and politics. While it was not immediate, eventually, these scientific discoveries had a deep and lasting impact on all facets of life. The next scientific revolution appears to be upon us or at the very least on the near horizon. This of course begs the question; how will innovation today shape our world tomorrow? Science and technology change so dramatically and so fast that the impact will be felt much quicker than in the 1700s. The next scientific revolution will drastically change politics, religion, economics, and culture across the world.
One factor that could contribute heavily to the rapidly changing world is the current Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has already changed our lives in many ways, and the way science and technology have responded to the pandemic is remarkable. The pandemic forced people into quarantine and isolation. Many people began working from home which changed how people interact with their coworkers. Instead of attending a meeting or a class in person, many people participate through video chat. A recent Wall Street Journal article about the advent of Zoom and pandemic video chatting described the shift as such, “The Covid-19 crisis has forced us to fundamentally shift how we operate and interact as humans in just a short window. But what first seemed like a lonely dystopia has, for many, become a period of discovery.” Gradually humans have adapted to interfacing in this way. It is astounding how quickly technology was able to change social norms under the circumstances. This rapid shift in human interaction begs the question; what happens when the pandemic ends?
The end of the pandemic won’t necessarily coincide with a slowing of technological advancement. On the contrary, it may turn out to be the spark for the new scientific revolution. We live in an increasingly interconnected world, and the pandemic has only brought us closer together through technology. It is difficult to foresee people completely returning to the way things were before COVID. The convenience of video chatting and the ability to see and interact with friends and family, regardless of where they live, from the comfort of your own home is unmatched. Additionally working from home for many people is an extremely viable option going forward. Many businesses are starting to realize that employees can do their job from home just as seamlessly as if they were in the office. Not to mention that employees get to be at home allowing them to be around their loved ones more, which probably boosts morale and productivity. This shift has a direct impact on economics with employees out of the office. Down the road, we may even see businesses saving money by going totally virtual.
The impact of this social and technological shift knows no bounds. Another observation from virtual life is the huge reduction of vehicle traffic and the dipping of gas and oil prices. People are starting to become less reliant on cars (my mom swears she only put gas in her car once during the initial quarantine period). Amazon and other delivery services like Uber Eats and Postmates have changed the way we shop and dine out. This shift away from fossil fuels and cars could lead us toward a greener future with electric cars and a more environmentally aware society.
(In many places you could physically see the impact of the reduction of fossil fuels. In Venice, the canal waters turned clear, and you could actually see all the way to the bottom.)
From online school to zoom mass and everywhere in between, technology has quickly changed the way we live in the past couple of months. While the revolution Shapin described in his book was slow and methodical, the current scientific revolution is occurring rapidly. We are living through it, observing as the world changes around us day by day. We’ve witnessed how the way we work, learn, eat, and shop have adapted. Beyond the changes that are immediately recognizable, we can begin to see how larger institutions like the economy, religion, and politics are impacted by innovation.
Sources:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/our-zoom-future-will-coronavirus-change-friendship-forever-11587182431