Final answer:
Malone values science for its role in gaining knowledge about the world, leading to technological advancements, and shaping world views while acknowledging its limits in non-material domains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malone believes that science is important because it is a highly effective method of gaining knowledge about the world, which has led to significant technological advancements over the past 500 years. These advancements include critical developments in medicine, telecommunications, and materials science, among others. Additionally, science majors today are equipped with a deeper understanding of science and math than some of the most celebrated scientists in history, like Sir Isaac Newton, due to the accumulation of scientific knowledge over time.
While science is a powerful way of understanding material phenomena—the realm of matter and energy that can be observed and measured—Malone acknowledges that there are domains such as morality, aesthetics, and spirituality, where scientific methods are not applicable. However, within its scope, the knowledge of underlying science is necessary for exploring various approaches to challenges, such as providing water or solving problems related to poverty, disease, and pollution. Hence, Malone emphasizes science's critical role in shaping our world view, values, and solutions to global issues.