Pandora's Box

About the Book

I use the legend of Pandora’s Box to mean that the box contained knowledge, scientific knowledge in particular, and having let it escape the result is problematic, good or evil, depending on the use to which it is put. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries released (discovered) all kinds of scientific knowledge and turned it loose, but it remains unclear whether humans will use it for good or evil. All kinds of unanticipated results flow from the exploitation of knowledge. Do we have the intelligence and goodwill to make the best use of our knowledge (scientia) before we destroy our civilization?

About the Author

Shane Riorden is the author and publisher of an autobiography (Having the Last Word) and the editor and publisher of an Irish book of tales for children by Anne Thomasine Casserley, Donegal Tales. He was the Business Manager of Bard College and Williams College. Now retired, he lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.