Ethics and Life Sciences: a critical analysis of the conceptions about the value of the living in Biology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48160/18532330me8.182Keywords:
value of the living, biology, ethicsAbstract
In this paper we analyze the conceptions regarding the value of the living in different biological fields (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Physiology and Conservation Biology). The hypothesis that guided this study is that there might be different assumptions about the value of the living in distinct biological sub-disciplines, and this situation could generate value conflicts within biology. We found that the productive value of organisms (in addition to their value as tools for obtaining knowledge) is widely acknowledged in all the sub-disciplines, while the intrinsic value of the living is only recognized in the area of Conservation Biology. This field of study assigns intrinsic value to species and ecosystems, rejecting intrinsic value of individual organisms. This negation of organisms’ intrinsic value would contribute to avoid conflicts with other biological fields in which utilitarian value of the living prevail. Inquiring about values and assumptions underlying scientific practices is crucial in the current context in which life sciences participate in diverse ethical controversies.
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