Science and politics from Re: Science and Spirit Magazine

From: bivalve <bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com>
Date: Mon Oct 11 2004 - 13:46:14 EDT

> The following is from an open letter to George W. Bush, signed by 48
> scientists, all of them Nobel Laureates:

Unfortunately, none of them strong on the distinction between science and philosophy or on awareness of hypocrisy. While there are legitimate reasons to challenge the scientific claims promoted by the present administration, notably on environmental issues, the letter also advocates specific opinions on ethical issues such as stem cell research. These are outside the capacity of science to decide and instead consititutes a political claim, just like the Bush administration claims that they attack.

Stem cell research probably can provide useful medical and scientific insights. So can continuation of the Nazi experiments on twins. Would either be ethical? Science can't say.

    Dr. David Campbell
    Old Seashells
    University of Alabama
    Biodiversity & Systematics
    Dept. Biological Sciences
    Box 870345
    Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0345 USA
    bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com

That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa
Received on Mon Oct 11 13:47:04 2004

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