The Ethics and Morals in Science; Frankenstein and I.
" When I found so astonishing a power placed within my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it." - Shelley, Frankenstein, pg. 23
The question of ethics and morals in science is maybe the most debatable and difficult problem our society faces today. We do not know when to draw the line between right and wrong in scientific actions, if there is a line at all, that allows us to stay true to our morals while also continuing our scientific research. In the book Frankenstein creates a most impeccable monster, something of which was way outside of the box during his time period. He had creating something so morally outrageous, yet he never was confronted for it, never was told wrong for doing what may have been seen as foolish. It was science, creating the monster, and isn't it the whole point of science to search for new knowledge and expand our capability as a race? However, the monster did turn out to be a great problem for Frankenstein, causing many to die innocent. So, is there a place then, where ethics and morals must come into play? Is there a place, where, science shall be controlled, stopped to a point so that we can keep morality in the world? This question is debated each and everyday, and is concerned in much more than even science. It is in these areas that I encounter the question, 'where do I cross the line?'. Just like Frankenstein had to debate whether to create a monster, or at least should have debated, I too need to watch my actions so that I do not cross the line and do something morally inconvenient. I am not some crazy scientist, and not anyone who could destruct the human race, but I still have to watch my actions in the parts of life that I do have an impact on. In my life right now, living in the most discomforting world of teenagers, I am constantly watching my mouth so that I do not say something to offend another. I am at a point in my life where everyone around me, including myself, is much more aware of their self image. So, if I were to go around and say everything that I believe, blurting to the world my own opinions, I could hurt others and cross the line of mortality. However, if I do not say what I believe I will never have a chance to make a difference, and help my society to grow. This is basically the same problem that Frankenstein had to face when he debated to make the monster. If he did make the monster, it could be disruptive towards the world. However if he didn't, he could be missing out on a most important work of science. So he must debate his action, deciding whether or not to go into the science where he may cross the line. The hardest part of dealing with morals and ethics is that, as a society, we don't really know where the line is of which we should not cross. There are simple rules and understandings we all share, but no real boundaries. So me and Frankenstein, and the whole rest of the world, are left with this question; how far can we go? The answer to this is still a work in process, and for all I know the answer may never be found. However, for now, we can still base our actions on our own personal judgement, hoping we do not cross the scientific line of morals and ethics.
The question of ethics and morals in science is maybe the most debatable and difficult problem our society faces today. We do not know when to draw the line between right and wrong in scientific actions, if there is a line at all, that allows us to stay true to our morals while also continuing our scientific research. In the book Frankenstein creates a most impeccable monster, something of which was way outside of the box during his time period. He had creating something so morally outrageous, yet he never was confronted for it, never was told wrong for doing what may have been seen as foolish. It was science, creating the monster, and isn't it the whole point of science to search for new knowledge and expand our capability as a race? However, the monster did turn out to be a great problem for Frankenstein, causing many to die innocent. So, is there a place then, where ethics and morals must come into play? Is there a place, where, science shall be controlled, stopped to a point so that we can keep morality in the world? This question is debated each and everyday, and is concerned in much more than even science. It is in these areas that I encounter the question, 'where do I cross the line?'. Just like Frankenstein had to debate whether to create a monster, or at least should have debated, I too need to watch my actions so that I do not cross the line and do something morally inconvenient. I am not some crazy scientist, and not anyone who could destruct the human race, but I still have to watch my actions in the parts of life that I do have an impact on. In my life right now, living in the most discomforting world of teenagers, I am constantly watching my mouth so that I do not say something to offend another. I am at a point in my life where everyone around me, including myself, is much more aware of their self image. So, if I were to go around and say everything that I believe, blurting to the world my own opinions, I could hurt others and cross the line of mortality. However, if I do not say what I believe I will never have a chance to make a difference, and help my society to grow. This is basically the same problem that Frankenstein had to face when he debated to make the monster. If he did make the monster, it could be disruptive towards the world. However if he didn't, he could be missing out on a most important work of science. So he must debate his action, deciding whether or not to go into the science where he may cross the line. The hardest part of dealing with morals and ethics is that, as a society, we don't really know where the line is of which we should not cross. There are simple rules and understandings we all share, but no real boundaries. So me and Frankenstein, and the whole rest of the world, are left with this question; how far can we go? The answer to this is still a work in process, and for all I know the answer may never be found. However, for now, we can still base our actions on our own personal judgement, hoping we do not cross the scientific line of morals and ethics.