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The thirst for knowledge is universal for many scientific fields, but the novel Frankenstein by Shelley illustrates how it may carry one astray. Paleontology may be characterized by an all-consuming, pure interest in knowledge. The desire for extensive learning first appears in the narrative when Victor Frankenstein describes his fate as regulated by a thirst for knowledge (Shelley 23, 29). Gradually, Shelley shows how Victors obsession with understanding the unknown takes over his life (34, 36). While Victors desire to exceed natural limits of understanding results in a literal monsters creation, in the context of paleontology, the thirst for knowledge leads to theoretical recreation of the monsters of the past.
Comparing scientists like Victor with paleontologists is equivalent to comparing theorists and practitioners. During Victors studies, he investigates ancient discoveries but soon faces dissatisfaction. Victor deviates from studying the past, dismissing natural history, and shifts his attention to the applicable science anatomy (Shelley 34). Akin to paleontologists who recreate the image and recreate the life history of long-gone organisms, Victor seeks to build on previous discoveries and create new ones that transcend species history. However, unlike paleontologists, Victor is additionally driven by the need to create science applicable in real, daily life.
In Frankenstein, the reckless pursuit of scientific discovery leads to chaos, tragedy, and despair. Because so many characters suffer from scientific advances, the book may be interpreted as Shelleys critical response to the scientific revolution. Some critics view the progress of science as limitless, raising concerns about how far it has gone, referring to the common bioethics notion of playing God. For instance, with the advances in organismal genetic modification, the authors call for caution in tampering with natural design reflects the fears of many regarding human embryo experiments or other advanced medical research.
To conclude, the unstoppable drive for obtaining knowledge for the sake of knowledge connects Frankenstein and many modern science fields, including paleontology. Victors obsession with reviving dead bodies is somewhat akin to paleontologists trying to recreate the once-lived creatures. Shelley suggests that knowledge coupled with uncontrolled passion and lack of moral constraints will eventually collapse, reflecting modern science fears. However, Frankenstein is not automatically against scientific progress or discovery; rather, it focuses on what happens when science is not combined with individual moral responsibility.
Work Cited
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Frankenstein. Amazon Classics, 2017.
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