When Ethics and Science Collide - Essay Example

Full When Ethics and Science Collide Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein tells about the story of a madman who was so consumed with the teachings of a well-known occult philosopher and alchemist, Cornelius Agrippa. Inspired by the amazing things he learned from the works of the philosopher, Frankenstein yearned to know more about his teachings. Despite his father’s discouraging words regarding his interest and later, his professor’s show of contempt about the science of Agrippa, the hopeful scientist did not abandon the back-numbered teachings. He easily learned the principles of physics and chemistry and especially endeavored himself in the study of natural science. As his knowledge in science increased, his passion to answer his questions increased also. As a result, he created a living thing secretly in the hope that someday, he will prove his studies to have been true after all and, that his critics were mere scholars who were afraid to indulge in the studies he pursued. Unfortunately, in contrast to what he expected, the beautiful creation he anticipated proved to be nothing but a monster which will soon make his life miserable. The monster killed people whom Frankenstein loved and adored and the once, sweet dream of the young student; became his most horrible nightmare. The story may be a work of fiction but it somehow shows readers the value not only of science but also of ethics in performing scientific experiments using the scientific method as exemplified in the story. Frankenstein’s pursuit to find answers to his questions led him to perform an experiment. Like any educated scientist, it could be said that he followed the scientific method. First, he had this unquenchable question which he knew, only natural science could answer. As the main character of the story mentioned, “”Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?” (Shelley) Having a problem, he then came up with a purpose and that is, to experiment on bringing life, a being from the dead parts of men. However, before he begun, he first closely observed living things and how dead animals and men decomposed. The character describes his activities, “I paused, examining and analyzing all the minutia of causations exemplified in the change from life to death, and death to life” (Shelley). He read more books on the subject of Agrippa’s principles and he also expanded his knowledge on other natural sciences such as chemistry. He was very diligent in his studies and he had extensive preparations. Frankenstein possessed and portrayed certain characteristics which are necessary to scientists. Therefore, the first two requirements of a scientific method, purpose and research, could be said to have been met by Frankenstein in his quest. Nevertheless, looking more intently at Frankenstein’s words, one can say that his manners in coming up with his theory, may not have been quite scientific. In describing how he observed things related to his studies, he continues, “…from the midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me- a light so brilliant and wondrous, yet so simple…” (Shelley). From such description, it could be said that Frankenstein experienced an epiphany which is more common in religious thoughts as opposed to science. Although Frankenstein is trying to follow the scientific method, he is obviously inclined to be influenced by occult philosophy and alchemy. Through the eyes of modern scientists who have grown to be stricter in their rules, Frankenstein can be said to be unscientific in this method. Frankenstein theorized that using the principles of alchemy, occult philosophy, chemistry and physics, he could create a being which is similar to man, only bigger and more perfect. In order to confirm or rule out the theory of the young scientist, he has to perform the experiment he conceived in his mind. Therefore, after months of study and with renewed or rather, strengthened beliefs, he collected all his materials and begun with his experiment. Again, the young scientist says, “After having formed this determination, and having spent some months in successfully collecting and arranging my materials, I began” (Shelley); referring to his experiment. Collecting the materials needed for the experiment is a vital part in the preparation because it makes the work easier and the completeness of the necessary materials only reflects an effective and efficient scientist. Moreover, the fact that Frankenstein collected his materials in months, shows that he did his best to choose the best materials available. He did not just go on with his occupation mindlessly, taking whatever is available but, he deliberately chose the best parts for his experiment. While Frankenstein performed his experiment, he faced challenges that almost made him give up. However, with such strong determination, he still continued, patiently working through the night and almost forgetting about his own health when he finally came to the point of witnessing his glory come to life. The success of the experiment then confirmed Frankenstein’s theory. Following the steps Frankenstein performed, it is clear that one can create a living thing using the principles of occult philosophy, and natural sciences; at least based on the story. The conclusion that a living thing can be created from dead parts of materials which formerly had lives can now be made. Although the last two steps have not been directly mentioned in the story, it is believed that this matter is implied with the physical results of the experiment. On the issue of ethics, Frankenstein did not act as a responsible scientist because in the first place, he did his experiment secretly. Since his professors mocked his master, Frankenstein became afraid that he will be a laughing stock because of his experiment. Moreover, he knew that he was dealing with an experiment that can make him a contemptible man. He needed cadavers for his experiment which of course, necessitated him to unbury dead people, an act which was still considered morally wrong during the setting of the story. In addition, in his attempt to prove his critics wrong about their judgment of Agrippa and his works, coupled perhaps by his fear of failure, Frankenstein kept his experiment a secret. As a responsible scientist, one should not only follow the scientific method in performing his duties but, must also be considerate about the effect of the experiment on the majority of the human race. Since Frankenstein did not inform anyone about his occupation, there was no one to try to put some sense into his head or at least bring the matter to the attention of the experts for deliberation. As a result, Frankenstein created a monster that was to become a danger to society. So, instead of saying to the world how successful he has been with his endeavors, concluding that it is possible to raise the dead to life again, he said in his narration, “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (Shelley). The pursuit of science should be done with conscience, considering the greater good of human beings and other living things. It should not be enough to have a good purpose and follow rules to the letter. Ethics should accompany intelligence. This is the lesson that Frankenstein is trying to teach readers. When gripped with passion, science’s reason can be irrational and can be more harmful than helpful. As a scientist, Frankenstein may have shown applaudable characteristics but as an ethical scientist, many questions could be raced for his lack of ethics. Reference Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. The Online literature Library. Knowledge Matter Ltd., n.d. Web. September 24, 2013. . Read More