doned without proper reflection. In Gullivers voyage on Laputa, and his visits to Legado and Balnibarbi, Swift presents another satirical view of the encroaching pervasiveness of the scientific worldview that was becoming more widespread during his lifetime. Swift himself was not opposed to all scientific endeavors, but Gullivers Travels provided a platform for him to explore the potential negative effects/affects of the new science, engaging in the exaggeration and absurdity that are essential to satire. Although Swifts characterization of the Laputan scientists is distorted, it does successfully call into question the ultimate goal of science. Should scientific research be pursued because society has achieved the technology to perform them? My opinion is that Swift, through Gullivers Travels, argued that it should not automatically and necessarily be pursued....
