Metacognitive Reading Report 1 – GED104

Instructions: After reading Lewis Wolpert's The Medawar Lecture 1998 'Is Science Dangerous?',
reflect and answer the following questions.
1. Obligatory Question – What did Lewis Wolpert mean when he stated that 'reliable scientific
knowledge is value-free and has no moral or ethical value' (p. 1254)? Following this premise, when
does science become subjected to questions of ethics and morality?
Science revolves around conclusions, facts, data, and information, as well as the
hypothetical speculation of how structured knowledge may be applied. Science can't rely on
values such as morality and ethics. It means that science is necessary for the world to progress and
is not subject to moral or ethical assumptions based on what it has discovered. These values
should be evaluated by those who will use what is found, such as scientists and researchers, and
those affected by it. Furthermore, science could be subjected to question of ethics and morality by
the scientific applications made by scientists, which are accomplished through a firm belief in
both doubt and truth. For instance, the creation of atomic energy is considered to be good and
bad at the same time. Besides those who know the truth, other minds have been concerned by
science's ability for good and evil. The unforeseen catastrophic consequences of science reveal
more about humanity than science itself. Nonetheless, as scientists and science enthusiasts with
consciences, they appear to be trapped in a dilemma.

2. Obligatory Question – In urging scientists to understand public concerns, Wolpert maintains,

"It is most important that they [scientists] do not allow themselves to become the unquestioning
tools of either government or industry" (p. 1258). What did he mean by this? Cite a local example
related to the country's COVID-19-response.
Science is always relevant. Knowledge from science is given to individuals early and will be
expanded when reached a certain point. Individuals broaden their knowledge and become more
observant of social issues, especially scientific struggles. Scientists have a unique role to play and a
moral obligation to fulfill. They must take into account public concerns, be good scholars who
study for society's welfare, and adequately disseminate knowledge. As scientists grow in number,
it is crucial to avoid dismissing advocacy as a principle since doing so means rejecting a
fundamental component of their citizenship—the distribution and usage of face shield an issue in
the Philippines. Although face shields are a factor in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus,
public transportation has opposed this manner. Furthermore, Local Government Units (LGU's)
have not established proper communication towards the community as face shields are being
 ignored by many. Individuals have suggested that the use of face shields is not a viable option and
many projects, such as the inauguration of herd immunity, are much more efficient.

3. Obligatory Question – Lewis Wolpert called eugenics a 'rare case of immoral science'. Why did
he say so? Could the eugenics movement have been otherwise (moral)? Or was it 'immoral' right
at the start? Defend your answer.
Eugenics is the process of choosing mating individuals with desired inherited features
in order to improve the human species. It was stated in the article that it is a "rare case of
immoral science," which is true. The scientific approach raises challenges, such as concerns
about the involvement of coercion, the implementation of perfection criteria, or injustices
related to equality. First, the freedom of any couple to reproduce and choose what they want
for their child should not have interfered. Coercion among couples is ethically unacceptable if
done by the government or any third party, and any couple's rights to choose their
reproductive behavior should be respected. Second, it creates the stigma of being perfect
among the population and makes it unclear understanding whether qualities or
characteristics should be regarded as ideal or perfect. Lastly, in a drive to produce only
flawless individuals, eugenics may lead to standardization in society. The variation and
individuality could eventually vanish, putting anybody in the community with the most
negligible impairment or weakness at a clear disadvantage.

4. Free Choice Item– Towards the end of his article, Wolpert raised questions regarding the
intersections of science and technology with politics. Choose one of the questions Wolpert raised
and provide a practical answer/solution to it.

a. How do we ensure that the public are involved in decision making [on science and
politics]?
Involvement of the public is not present in every single significant choice made by
politics and scientists. However, it is the duty and responsibility of the government (including
science and politics) to identify the precise topics and concerns of the public. In this way, we
can ensure that our requests are satisfied and any limits to public involvement are recognized.
Furthermore, providing the public with a clear objective would help the decision-making.