Biotechnology: the good, the bad and the deadly

The life sciences provide a great opportunity to improve our lives. But our newfound power in this field also gives us the means to destroy ourselves.

Opinion: The Conversation, 15 May 2011

TechNyou

Attention teachers: In relation to your students discussing topics related to science in society and critical thinking about how science is used, this article highlights some the issues facing all applications of scientific knowledge and the ethical issues associated with them. Namely, it is not the science or knowledge that is of concern (generally), but how society chooses to use or apply that scientific knowledge.  One could argue this has been the case throughout human history, since we realised a sharpened stick could be useful in catching and killing animals to more effectively feed your family, or defend yourself against the animals wanting to eat you. Alternatively, the same stick could be picked up and used by your neighbouring humans to kill you and run off with your wife.