This is the second and final part of the presentation which was delivered at the awards ceremony at the Faculty of Science and Agriculture. Based on the responses received from those who read the article last week, it is clear that many of us share the view that ethical thinking is the way to go, especially in a society that seems to have gone off- track.
Ethics and science
Does ethics exist in the world of science, bearing in mind that the latter is known to literally "go where no man has gone before?" Scientists often confront ethical dilemmas and the methodology for determining what should be deemed acceptable is itself a very grey area.Writing on science and ethics, Alan E Donant suggests:"Civilisations are often measured by their material progress and, in part, this is fair since improved living standards often decrease human suffering. It is the inner life of a people, however, that guides its material prowess; and altruism and compassion are the cornerstones that mark a truly great civilisation."The twin behemoths of modern civilisation-science and technology-have indeed brought wonders into our lives. Yet we continue to suffer, in some cases, because of science and technology, for while they bring benefits, they also challenge our humanity and can threaten our very existence."What kind of humanity do we want to become, and how do we affect evolution? These questions are important when considering the areas of scientific investigation that our civilisation should pursue."
Over the years there have been debates on the extent to which genetic engineering should be used to create and prolong life and to cure diseases. These matters invariably involve religious and moral issues which, though easily resolved by those not bound by such parameters, continue to be challenging for those whose thinking includes an ethical component.In recounting his experience of making "Dolly the sheep," Alan Colman admitted how little he understood ethics before she was born. He described his ongoing scientific dilemma, to address unmet medical needs, which conflicts violently with his position against human cloning.Colman thinks human cloning is wholly unethical, but this raises the question: What makes the cloning of sheep acceptable?And further, once we allow cloning of one type of animal, what argument is used to prevent the cloning of another species, including human beings?
Ethics in agriculture
Former US Vice President Al Gore stated in 1993:"Today we enthusiastically participate in what is in essence a massive and unprecedented experiment with the natural systems of the global environment, with little regard for the moral consequence."Whether there would be less global warming and adverse climate change if there was greater reliance on ethics in decision- making on matters affecting our environment is a debate that could go on forever, especially since there are those who refute that there is any significant climate change at all.But ethical issues do arise in the agricultural sector, such as the production of animals for the purpose of research, recreational harvesting of wildlife and the chemical pollution of water sources.Not long ago there was a conflict with respect to land use policy and whether, in the allocation of arable land, preference should be given to the housing needs of the population or the food requirements of the citizenry.Although housing seemed to have trumped food in that instance, the resolution of the matter was not easy.
Driving ethics forward
In his address at the opening of the 2010/2011 Law Term, the Chief Justice, Justice Ivor Archie, opined:"After 48 years of supposed independence, it astonishes me that there is even a debate about whether the Caribbean Court of Justice-the CCJ-should be our final appellate court. If we have the moral and intellectual capacity to run our own countries in the region, why can we not judge ourselves?"And I add-bearing in mind the commitments given to the region by the former leaders of T&T on the matter, and the fact that the CCJ headquarters are located in Port-of-Spain, is there an ethical responsibility on the part of T&T to ensure that this country accepts the CCJ as its final Court of Appeal?Three countries in the region, namely Guyana, Barbados and Belize, have removed the Privy Council as the highest court for their respective jurisdictions and despite promises that a national consultation will begin on the matter, no dates have been set.In fact, it has been suggested that if the Privy Council is working, then what is there to fix?Such a flippant approach to a matter that is so serious suggests that we are not taking our regional responsibility seriously.
Ethics sanctioned
Perhaps the only way to enforce the importance of ethical thinking is to drive home the point of the high price paid when there is deviance from professional ethical conduct.While there are several local examples that can be cited, the story of Dr Philip Baker, the former Dean of Medicine at the University of Alberta, shows the seriousness with which the university treated his act of plagiarism in a speech delivered to students at a graduation banquet.Although he apologised to the author, Prof Atul Gawande, for using his work without permission, and the apology was graciously accepted by Gawande, Dr Baker was made to relinquish his position at the university and proceeded on leave.The message was clear-academic integrity, if compromised, must be accompanied with appropriate sanctions.Not far away, in Jamaica, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding resigned in the wake of the revelation of his involvement in a bid to block the extradition of confessed criminal and gang leader, Christopher "Dudus" Coke.So it seems that the promotion of ethics might best be achieved by explaining the adverse repercussions for those in breach.
Ethical challenges
To the young graduates of this faculty, I urge you to become drivers for ethical thinking.Along the way I humbly ask that you grant us, the older minds, three wishes:First, the introduction of a Trinidad and Tobago day, on which all races can collectively celebrate their proud heritage, remembering that we are "Trinbagonian" first and everything else after.Second, and this has been advocated by many before me, that our national flower be replaced with the double chaconia which is truly indigenous. And third, that a meaningful discussion begin on the acceptance of the CCJ as our final Court of Appeal.I leave you with this final food for thought:The world is not at a loss for brilliant minds;It continues to search for ethical thinkers.