SCIENCE IS NOT ETHICS, SAYS SCIENTIST
A letter in Nature has called upon scientists to distinguish between science and ethics. David Campbell, of the University of Alabama, was commenting on a common criticism of the Bush Administration amongst scientists. There have been persistent complaints that it has been misrepresenting and distorting science in areas such as the environment, stem cell research, and sexual health.
Dr Campbell points out that scientists need to distinguish clearly between science and ethics. For example, determining whether reducing environmental protection will have an adverse effect upon a rare species is a question of science. But the decision of whether rare species should be protected is a question of ethics.
Similarly, in an line of reasoning which is rarely aired in Nature, Dr Campbell says that the decision of whether to value scientific and medical advances more than the destruction of an embryo is not a scientific question, but an ethical one. “Thus, instead of being an example of science versus anti-science, this is a case of competing ethical claims.”
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
After 49 years, SCOTUS strikes down Roe v Wade, abolishing a constitutional right to abortion
The US Supreme Court has struck down two of the most famous decisions in American history, Roe v. Wade and...
Fallen stem cell hero convicted in Swedish court
Once hailed as a stem cell technology pioneer, Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini has been convicted of causing bodily harm and...
Hollywood actress explains why she chose surrogacy: ‘I was terrified’
Hollywood starlet Jamie Chung, 39, surprised her fans last year when she and her husband announced the birth of twins....
First legal assisted suicide in Italy
Italy’s parliament is still debating the details of legal assisted suicide. However, last Thursday the first Italian to take advantage...
Re-examining autonomy
The buzzword cutting through the noisy controversy over the US Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade is “reproductive autonomy”....
World swimming authority takes conservative stand on gender inclusion
Swimming's world governing body, FINA, has backed a new policy on gender inclusion which will stop most trans women swimmers...