Some people believe that it is a good idea to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Knowledge

is power. Freedom of expression and speech is a crucial part of most modern societies. Within

this

culture, many people believe that by sharing

information

freely among all humanity, the future of the world is enhanced.

Although

some reasons for sharing

information

freely include rapid development of science and benefit of humanity, I believe it should not be solicited without pay because

information

needs finance and security. Scientific breakthroughs can be achieved faster and more when people do not need to have the financial backing to acquire the necessary

knowledge

. There are many smart scientists who do not have the funds to acquire important

information

to complete their research.

However

, when the

information

is free,

this

is not a barrier to their progress.

For instance

,

information

on cancer can be accessed freely on the internet, and

this

allowed Dr. James Cornick, a poor physician in Ireland, to come up with a pill which helps cure skin cancer and benefits people around the world. Even though in

this

situation free

knowledge

is beneficial, it is not true in all cases. Much

information

requires payment to be produced and maintain.

Also

, certain types of

information

in the wrong hands can be devastating for society. There are many professionals whose jobs are to produce research and new concepts. When they are not paid for

this

work, they can no longer generate science.

In addition

, some of

this

research deals with dangerous fields

such

as nuclear physics and pharmaceuticals.

For instance

,

last

year an act of terror occurred because some criminals were able to learn how to make explosives using free

information

on the internet.

This

clearly should not be permitted, and for

this

reason alone, not all

information

should be free to access for everyone. In conclusion, distributing

information

free of charge can help in certain aspects, but can

also

be detrimental to society.

Although

some believe people should give as much

knowledge

pro Bono as possible, I strongly believe the opposite. People should be careful to underestimate the value and power of

knowledge

.