Playing God
Because scientists have the knowledge and ability to manipulate the biological world, their experimenting is often referred to as "playing god." Playing god has gotten fictional scientists like Dr. Frankenstein into trouble. In Daniel Keyes's Flowers for Algernon, playing god is a major theme. Scientists use Charlie, a mentally disabled boy, as a guinea pig for a progressive form of surgery. Charlie develops a much stronger sense of self once the surgery has proven to be effective, and his life completely changes. Not only does Charlie become more intelligent but he also develops a keener sense of self and personal identity. Although the effects of the surgery eventually wore off, and in spite of Algernon's eventual demise, the scientists cannot be faulted. Playing god is a scientist's job; god would not have imbued human beings with innate curiosity and keen intelligence if god did not intend for those talents to be put to use.
Even if the initial consequences seem morally ambiguous in experiments like the one described in Flowers for Algernon, it would be foolish to assume that scientists should simply stop working. Scientific inquiry and experimentation do leave unfortunate casualties in their wake, but those setbacks seem small compared with the tremendous benefits that science also provides. Without experimentation and the willingness to play god every day, scientists would be unable to develop new tools and technologies that help eliminate disease and suffering.
Playing god is a natural expression of the divine spark in all human beings. The most astute and creative people on the planet play god. Artists and musicians play god, even if their work does not please every viewer or listener. The job of the artist or scientist is not to please people, but to use the gifts given to them by the creator to make the world a better place.
Verhey, Allen. "Playing God and Invoking a Perspective." Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 20 (1995): 347-364. Any physician of a moral and ethical frame of mind would be reflexively offended if a patient, or the loved one of a patient, accused that physician of 'playing God.' But what does this phrase mean? According to Allen Verhey's essay on medicine, modern bioethics, and "Playing God and Invoking a Perspective," the phrase
God vs Evil Forces There is a major problem in the question of the existence of God as well as the presence of the evil forces. If God is almighty, loving and omnipresent how could there be suffering and evil forces in this world? With all the power God has, He could eliminate each and every evil making the world a peaceful and a beautiful place to live for the people.
Olmec Although scientists found artifacts and art objects of the Olmecs; until this century they did not know about the existence of the Olmecs. Most of the objects which were made by this community were associated with other civilizations, such as Mayan, Toltec or Chichimecan. The Olmec lived between 1600 B.C. And 1400 B.C. In South Mexico. The name of this tribe comes from an Aztec word "ollin" which means
Corn pollen had a high mortality rate (44% in 4 days) compared to those fed on and regular corn pollen showing no mortality. [Frontline/Nova] The allergenic potential of the transgenes that are used in GM products is a frightening problem. A noticeable case is that of Pioneer Hi-Bred INC, the international seed company that produced a genetically modified and enriched Soybean using the Brazilian nut gene. Fortunately, before the product
The media might present an issue as fact without verifying its truth via the appropriate channels, while the public in turn is eager to accept as fact what is presented to them, as this is much more simple than researching the issues themselves, or even simply verifying the truth of a stated fact. Furthermore, the authors hold that simply educating the public regarding issues of scientific controversy is far
Frankenstein Geneticists are the modern-day versions of Victor Frankenstein, maverick scientists who, in pursuing their personal dreams and ambitions cross over ethical lines. Mary Shelley was deeply concerned about the potential of science to blur humanitarian issues. In her classic novel Frankenstein, Shelley depicts a driven scientist who, for the love of knowledge and power, creates life. The ramifications of what is commonly called "playing God" include an inhumane mistreatment of
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