I'm not sure it's the science per-se, but the lifestyle engendered by the various technologies that science provides for us. People are more removed from one another (as a whole, mind you, not that there aren't local exceptions to this as every rule), less interactive in 3d with neighbors, friends, etc. Radio and television (and videotape) make it unnecessary for people to amuse themselves anymore; so fewer and fewer people learn to play the piano, sing, etc. Kids spend more time playing nintendo or computer games than hide-and-seek or tag or any of those other wonderful games we look back on nostalgically from time to time in threads right here on Mudcat. It's this lifestyle that is alienating, not science in-and-of-itself. (I'm sure there's a Latin term for "in and of itself" but I can't remember it!)

I'm coming across as this bug-eyed science hater, and nothing could be further from the truth. But I do think that with increased ability to control our environment, comes increased responsibility to do it mindfully.

Alex