But What Does That Really Mean?
30/07/12 12:53 Filed in: GenomeWeb Daily Scan
Submitted by S. Pelech - Kinexus on Mon, 07/30/2012 - 15:06
I always find it fascinating that while scientists are often accused as "Playing God" by people of specific religious persuasions, these same people don't seem to have much problem with the sacred texts of their religions also being written by human beings. The argument presented is usually in the form that these enlightened authors have been guided by the "hands of God". If they believe this to be so, why do they think that scientists are also not guided in their actions directly by "God". I am not really suggesting that scientists are merely the puppets of a divine entity, but rather that the speciest argument that scientists are "Playing God" should not really be a factor in the decision of how researchers should conduct their work. Even the use of terminology such as "good science" projects religious overtones as the opposite of "good" is "evil". As members and beneficiaries of broad communities, scientists have a responsibility to ensure that their work contributes to the greater well being of the humans and the other creatures on this planet.
Link to the original blog post
I always find it fascinating that while scientists are often accused as "Playing God" by people of specific religious persuasions, these same people don't seem to have much problem with the sacred texts of their religions also being written by human beings. The argument presented is usually in the form that these enlightened authors have been guided by the "hands of God". If they believe this to be so, why do they think that scientists are also not guided in their actions directly by "God". I am not really suggesting that scientists are merely the puppets of a divine entity, but rather that the speciest argument that scientists are "Playing God" should not really be a factor in the decision of how researchers should conduct their work. Even the use of terminology such as "good science" projects religious overtones as the opposite of "good" is "evil". As members and beneficiaries of broad communities, scientists have a responsibility to ensure that their work contributes to the greater well being of the humans and the other creatures on this planet.
Link to the original blog post