Science and Ethics

Philosophy of science used to be identified with the logical and methodological analysis of scientific theories, and any allusion to values was considered as a deplorable intromission in a philosophical investigation that should remain strictly epistemological. As a reaction against this view, an opposite «sociological» approach downplayed the usual virtues of scientific knowledge (such as logical rigor and empirical adequacy) as artificial imageries that cover the actual nature of science, that is a social product submitted to all the kinds of social conditionings and compromises. A more balanced view is badly needed today, when technoscience is permeating all aspects of our civilization and wise persons understand that we cannot survive without using science and technology but at the same time we need to steer their development in view of the real benefit of humankind. We must investigate how science, technology and values are legitimately interconnected and, in particular, how the discourses of ethics, politics and religion can enter a fruitful dialogue with science. The essays presented in this volume offer a valuable contribution to this interdisciplinary study.

Evandro Agazzi, Fabio Minazzi

Ethical Issues at the Beginning and End of Life

Advances in biomedical technology have led to new and troubling issues at the beginning and end of life. This talk will briefly review how developments in reproductive technology, prenatal screening, embryology and neonatal intensive care have changed our attitudes to parenthood and brought new urgency to long-standing debates about the value and significance of developing human life. 

Similarly at the end of life the rise of interest in euthanasia and physician assisted suicide is driven in part by technological and interventionist medical care. A central issue in contemporary ethical debates is the nature of personhood and the talk will contrast contemporary naturalistic and Christian perspectives and draw out the practical implications of these differing perspectives for medical and social care.

John Wyatt

John Wyatt

John Wyatt is Emeritus Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics at University College London, UK. He has practised as an academic neonatologist for more than 25 years and has led a multidisciplinary research team investigating the mechanisms and prevention of brain damage at the beginning of life. He has a long-standing interest in the ethical, philosophical and theological issues raised by advances in medical technology and is actively involved in research and teaching in these areas. His book Matters of Life and Death is published by InterVarsity Press.

Jennifer Wiseman

Dr. Jennifer Wiseman is an astronomer and the Director of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is also the Senior Project Scientist for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. She previously served as Chief of the Laboratory for Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Her research employs the use of radio, infrared and optical telescopes to study the formation of stars and planets in dense interstellar clouds. She received her B.S. in physics from MIT, discovering comet Wiseman-Skiff in 1987, and continued her studies at Harvard, earning a Ph.D. in astronomy in 1995. She continued her research as a Jansky Fellow at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and as a Hubble Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University. She is currently a Fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, a network of Christians in science. Dr. Wiseman also has an interest in public science engagement and policy and has served as a Congressional Science Fellow of the American Physical Society, working with the staff of the Science Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

César Nombela

César Nombela is Professor of Microbiology in the University Complutense (Madrid, Spain) since 1982, where he has promoted a research group in Microbiology, Biotechnology and Genomics. He is permanent President of the Carmen and Severo Ochoa Foundation by appointment of Nobel laureate in his last will. Other outstanding experiences include: President of the Scientific Research Council of Spain (CSIC) (1996-2000); Member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (1998-2004); President of National Committee on Ethics in Science and Technology (2002-2005) and Member of the Bioethics Committee of Spain (2007-).