It's all a matter of perspective, really. From the standpoint of an engineer I could say that since science lets us do things we weren't able to do before, it must be giving us a better understanding of reality. Not only this, but this understanding is good, since it allows us to make life easier and even prolong it. If, on the other hand, I take the position that science focuses on the "illusion" of life and rather than resolving it, expands it, then I would also see these "practical consequences" of science as leading one away from the "truth" of life. For Schopenhauer (forgive me for resorting to quoting philosophers) the ultimate goal of life was to recognize its meaninglessness, and to overcome the will to live... give away all your possessions, become an ascetic, and eventually die. From most viewpoints, this is decidedly impractical, but practicality is also a viewpoint, and one that can only be justified through fear.
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