History of Science
1000 B.C. Eat this root.
200 A.D. The root is heathen. Say this prayer.
1400 A.D. The prayer is superstitious. Drink this potion.
1920 A.D. The potion is snake oil. Swallow this pill.
1990 A.D. The pill is ineffective. Take this antibiotic.
2006 A.D. The antibiotic is artificial. Eat this root.
******
Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits. (Catholic Catechism Par. 2293)
It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others, or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and will of God. (Catholic Catechism Par. 2294)
200 A.D. The root is heathen. Say this prayer.
1400 A.D. The prayer is superstitious. Drink this potion.
1920 A.D. The potion is snake oil. Swallow this pill.
1990 A.D. The pill is ineffective. Take this antibiotic.
2006 A.D. The antibiotic is artificial. Eat this root.
******
Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits. (Catholic Catechism Par. 2293)
It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others, or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and will of God. (Catholic Catechism Par. 2294)
posted by Phil Neary at
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