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Is science a blessing or a curse? With the upcoming achievements of modern science, many authors of American Gothic seem to doubt and reject the promise that science is able to improve human conditions and thus make their readers reflect on the use and abuse of scientific methods. This is a topic which still has a most prominent relevance today.

This is a controversial question.  For the most part, I believe science is a true blessing.  There are some advancements that I think are flirting with playing "God," which I believe is a dangerous thing, quite honestly, though.  In some ways, I think humanity has become too reliant on scientific advancements instead of human condition, too.  It is true that there is abuse in the scientific world, as well!

In reply to #2:

Controversial questions are good for my exam, I guess. That way my professor and I could disuss a bit:-). As examples for my thesis I thought of Hawthorne's Rappaccini's Daughter and The Birth-Mark
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Yes, controversial questions certainly are good for provoking some good thought!  I agree wholeheartedly and I don't shy away from those in my own classes. :)  I'm partial to "The Birthmark." I love the lesson of that story!!!

I love this...there are never any wrong answers in my classes as long as students can back up and support their opinions. I love "The Birthmark" and Frankenstein for these reasons among other stories.  Another favorite of mine is "Dr. Hiedigger's Experiment."  It is our job as teachers to get kids thinking and to keep them on their toes.  They must be taught how to think and debate!

Asimov is another good one to teach on the topic of science's good vs. its evil. The movie "I, Robot" was based on work by Asimov, and it stirs great discussion over how much man relies upon his technology, and how much scientific technology should be allowed to control our lives.

Kids often dissect the topic of "Is science good or bad, and how should it be controlled, if at all?" They really get involved in this one, as the broad range of opinions asserted just excites others to join the debate.

This is a great strategy to use if you're teaching other Asimov works, or if you're doing science fiction of any sort, really.