Browse Hierarchy BIOL6004: Science and Humanity

Science has had a huge impact on all aspects of our lives, and the overall aim of this module is to set that influence in its social and historical context. We will address alternative views of the world, how they have been developed or replaced in the context of science and have a clear look at the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific world view. We will address ideas about the value of other life forms and introduce environmental philosophy. In this light we will discuss some of the modern contentious ideas and possibilities, such as Genetic Modification, organic farming, stem cell research, manipulation of the human genome and designer babies. The political, economic and moral context of the current environmental crisis will be discussed.