Godless Science?

In an article recently published by *The Philadelphia Inquirer* Arthur Caplan discusses the risks of biogenetics. Arthur Caplan reassures the reader that there is no reason for anyone to fear for the advancement of biogenetics. With the many positive outcomes that biogenetics promises, Caplan tells us that "...our society would be foolish and cruel to forbid or ban genetic research given the needs of the sick, starving, impaired and those of future generations for solutions and treatments. Will we really turn away from those who literally are dying before our eyes, or who will die before our children's eyes, simply out of fear of scientist guiding public policy?." Many people who are against biogenetics are people who hold religious beliefs. There is no need, Art Caplan says, to fear that scientists will potentially be leading public policy (with respect to biogenetics), because it is quite foolish for anyone to think that scientists can just create another life being by themselves. If anything, there seems to be a misunderstanding of scientists; that they are mostly not affiliated with religion and that they go about testing extremes every chance that they get. Caplan corrects this stereotype by mentioning that many scientists are actually religious with respect to humankind for the love of other beings, the love of preventing fellow brothers from not becoming sick or becoming sick. Scientists are out to save our society from diseases such as sickle cell, SARS, avian flu, HIV, TB, and many others.

Caplan calls for a bridge between the sciences and the humanities and also urges the scientists to reveal themselves to the public and show people that they are also human, "...that they stand shoulder to shoulder with all of us in wanting a better world". Read more here (Link has been added--sorry for the oversight--sbt):