By Ruth Eisenbud
The struggle to expand ethical boundaries:
Is overwhelming force capable of creating a valid moral argument?
The debate on vivisection is one of the thorniest because it cuts so deep into our desire to be protected from dreadful diseases, not to mention that people, in general, have been conditioned to respect “medical science” as pretty much incontrovertible. That’s why so many ethicists, while objecting to hunting, meat-eating or fur coats give animal lab experiments a pass. It’s hot water, and they want no part of it.
In this article, Ruth Eisenbud takes us to the philosophical origins of our dominionist attitudes in the Judeo Christian tradition, comparing them with non-dominionist religions, such as Jainism, the most compassionate faith of all. She also explores the notion that desensitization to violence, acquired in the animal labs, may have played a role in James Holmes mental makeup. It’s conjecture, but worthy of a hearing.
Have we lost all sense of compassion in the name of pragmatism and expediency?
By Ruth Eisenbud
“Witnesses said a man wearing a gas mask opened fire after tossing a tear gas canister in the auditorium as movie-goers watched The Dark Knight Rises. A 24-year-old former neuroscience student was arrested in a car park outside the theatre in Aurora city.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18921492 Continue reading »
