Chances and Dangers for Society

In modern years, western society has made what we believe to be great advancements in the name of science, technology and human rights.

From reproductive technology to prolonging the lives of human beings, we have made some major steps forward, or have we? The long-term impact on the fabric of society, and the changes our discoveries will necessitate in the basic assumptions of the well-being of humanity are yet to be determined.

In his book Values in a Time of Upheaval, Benedict XVI comments on the impact of such dramatic changes and the impact they will have on our ethical traditions: 'The departure from every ethical tradition and the insistence that all that counts is technological rationality ad the possibilities it opens up to us appears specifically (relevant only in some portions of the world). But will not a world order with such foundations turn out to be a utopia of terror? Does the world not need corrective elements drawn from its own tradition and from the great ethical traditions of mankind? (p. 158)

Some of the basic pillars of society that should never be forgotten or set aside include

• The inviolability of human dignity. 'We cannot trust one another and live together in peace unless man recognizes that he is an ultimate end, not a means to some other end, and unless we consequently regard other persons as sacred and inviolable.' (p. 158);
• A renewed sensitivity to the dignity of suffering;
• An appreciation for rationality as a basic characteristic of (community) spirit; and
• A continued connection to the two great sources of knowledge: nature and history.

In addition to these, 'the beginning of human life is both a natural and a human process. In the sexual union of man and woman, the natural and intellectual elements unite to form that which is specifically human, and one ignores this at one's peril. (p. 159).

Questions about these and other such issues have been increasingly debated in various fora in recent years. However, these essentials for life cannot be legislated by any authority other than that which has already been written on the hearts of humanity. In order to truly appreciate the wisdom of these reflections, we are wise to look beyond the realm of immediate effects on society or personal choices, and consider the deeper impacts of our choices for the good of humanity as a whole.