The definition of life--isn't this the stuff of philosophical roundtables with pipe-smoking old men in tweed jackets? Apparently, scientists are also wrestling through the definition of life as they extend the boundaries of technological advancement.
A recent article by Seth Borenstein of the AP highlights the various implications surrounding issues of life. Just a few interesting quotes from the article, including one from my friend and former professor at Trinity, Dr. C. Ben Mitchell:
"[Genetic engineering capabilities] put the world on notice that man's ability to manipulate life is dancing around the point of creation."...
"C. Ben Mitchell, a bioethicist connected with Trinity University, an evangelical Christian college in Illinois, worries about entrusting such such monumental developments with scientists."
"'Human history is enough; it is sufficient to remind us of the problem of hubris,' Mitchell said. 'It is at least a cautionary note, to caution us to be aware of unintended consequences.'"...
And finally, a quote from Mark Bedau, a philosophy professor and COO of the synthetic biology firm, ProtoLife:
"'We are doing things which were thought to be in the province, in some quarters, of God - like making new forms of life...Life is very powerful and if we can get it to do what we want...there are all kinds of good things that can be done.'"
"'Playing God is a good thing as long as you do it responsibly,' he said."
Dr. Mitchell raises the consideration that I've highlighted repeatedly here at The Daily Detour, namely, the impact of man's fallen nature in pursuing God-like capabilities. I don't question the positive potential of biological discovery and advancement. I simply wonder if man is capable of pursuing that potential responsibly?
In fact, this is the very point Washington Post columnist, Charles Krauthammer makes in a piece I've quoted often here:
"You don't need religion to tremble at the thought of unrestricted embryo research. You simply have to have a healthy respect for the human capacity for doing evil in pursuit of the good."
What is "life"? Is it conception? Is it consciousness?
The answer to this most basic question carries significant implications for our culture and our future. For how we define life determines how we sustain a culture that values every individual, no matter their physical state or station in life. 
UPDATE: Jill Carattini over at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries asks a similar question, "What does it mean to be human?"
Comments