Perspective, Perspective

Peter Edman

I am struck by the tone of the arguments over the stem cell veto by President Bush. Others have said most of what needs to be said, but I do want to link to this post on the weblog of Ignatius Press, publisher of the books of Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.

After Carl Olson summarizes the one-sided and utterly histrionic (or else cynical) rhetoric of Mr. Bush’s critics, he refers us to a book by then-Cardinal Ratzinger, which has a quote on technology that is definitely going into a future revision of the technology curriculum (so many books, so little time). The quote below is from Christianity and the Crisis of Cultures. 

Moral strength has not grown in tandem with the development of science; on the contrary, it has diminished, because the technological mentality confines morality to the subjective sphere. Our need, however, is for a public morality, a morality capable of responding to the threats that impose such a burden on the existence of us all. The true and gravest danger of the present moment is precisely this imbalance between technological possibilities and moral energy. The security we all need as a presupposition of our freedom and dignity cannot ultimately be derived from technological systems of control. It can come only from the moral strength of man, and where this is lacking or insufficient, the power man has will be transformed more and more into the power of destruction. . . .

In a world based on calculations, it is the calculation of consequences that determines what should be considered moral and immoral. In this way, the category of good vanishes, as Kant clearly showed. Nothing is good or evil in itself; everything depends on the consequences that may be thought to ensue upon an action.

I think Olson’s conclusion is unavoidable. This is narcissism posturing as something noble.

The ultimate goal is longer, better lives for the rich, the famous, and the elite. That trumps everything; nothing else matters, because they are all that matter. Just ask them.

The Anchoress also has a valuable perspective here, under Embryonic Stem Cells--Embryonic! Her discussion on limits is worth your consideration.

Gleanings, Faiths and Worldviews, Science and Technology, Thu 20 Jul 2006