Humanity’s Evolution: Art, Science Integrity, and Political Responsibility

Art, Science Integrity, and Political Responsibility

It is essential that fiction, through its symbolic language, makes us reflect on what it means to be human today and what we want our condition to be in the future. We know that art has this power, from Greek myths to gothic, contemporary, and dystopian literature, just to name a few examples.

The fascination with knowledge, curiosity about the unknown, and the consequent research should not be interrupted or redirected in their goals unless it is recognized that their effects will not be beneficial, or, more deeply if it is recognized that it will not be good for humanity. Approaching science with fear and distrust by default can limit scientific research instead of promoting it, especially when it is already common for people to believe that scientists are interested in pursuing pure science without ethical concerns. Simple fears of change or more complex fears, such as the invention of the ‘recipe’ for immortality or the creation of artificial machines more perfect than humans, capable of dominating and enslaving humanity, are just a few examples of this.

As proposed by Gazzaniga, one of the main goals of bioethical debate is to try to “eliminate the fallacious argument of the snowball effect,” avoiding slipping or sliding into deceitful extremes, steering clear of extremism, and being guided by reason (2006).
We should not ignore the warnings and lessons of Western culture, but we also should not be dominated by its symbolic discourse and excessive emphasis on emotions. The domain of philosophy is reason, and one of the characteristics that distinguishes philosophy from art is its ability to rationally analyze human emotions.The response to the neurotechnological challenge should be made with common sense and guided by ethical standards. A balanced and reasonable discourse should prevail.

The desire to know more, the search for knowledge, and the fascination with discovery, are all part of the human condition, and through science, we are consistently progressing. However, as soon as discoveries are made, it is common for the scientific community to reflect on their significance and the potential positive and negative consequences they may bring.

There are risks associated with genetic engineering, drugs, and electrical brain stimulation, and we should not deny the possibility of abuses, unethical uses, and socially detrimental applications of this knowledge. Nevertheless, history has taught us valuable lessons, such as with the nuclear bomb which has not been used again, despite the continued knowledge of how to construct it. This demonstrates our capacity to reassess scientific and technological discoveries, discern what is genuinely beneficial for humanity, and make ethical and reasonable use of technological advancements.

In the context of war, scientific and technological developments have facilitated the creation of increasingly potent weapons capable of immense destruction. From nuclear weapons to autonomous drones, these advancements raise ethical and moral questions regarding the responsible use of scientific knowledge. The risks of unregulated technological escalation and the potential for catastrophic conflicts are significant in a world where despotic leaders may prioritize power and control over the well-being of humanity.

Therefore, while celebrating the pursuit of scientific knowledge and progress, we should also remain vigilant and advocate for ethical considerations in the use of such knowledge. It is essential to promote transparency, accountability, and international cooperation to ensure that scientific advancements are used for the benefit of humanity rather than for destructive purposes.

Let us finally reject the narrative of division and hatred that seeks to pit us against each other. Whether it is the rhetoric of nationalism, extremism, racism, xenophobia, or militarism, let us rise above such divisive ideologies and work towards building bridges of understanding and reconciliation. By fostering a responsible approach to scientific discovery and innovation, we can mitigate the dangers posed by misuse and uphold the values of peace, justice, and human dignity.

Sara Fernandes is a Research Fellow in the post-doctoral program in Integral Human Development (UCP/Porticus).

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