This ‘your view’ is prompted by this evening’s national news here in the US. There was a story about the status of the latest multiple births of 8 babies. The exact details of the story are not my focus but the closing commentary of the news show regarding the ethics involved in multiple births. I am assuming although I have not kept up with the details, this instance of multiple births was as a result of artificial means rather than a natural occurrence. Given that the commentator cited multiple ethicists who were all in agreement that this was not ethical due to the various dangers and costs to mother, family and babies, near term and long term, I think it is a safe assumption.

So my question to you is just that is it ethical for humans to artificially create human life as in the means used to have a multiple outcome of 8 babies? Frankly, the exact number is irrelevant; it is the method of conception of life that is my real concern.

Is it ethical to artificially create human life?

The choice of wording in that last sentence should give a hint as to my own opinion. I do not endorse artificial means of conception nor would I ever advise a woman seeking my counsel to pursue such a course of action to have a baby. Given that I am an atheist and major fan of science that might come off as rather odd. Contrary to popular belief, atheists are moral and ethical so it is possible for us to be morally or ethically conflicted as anyone else. Even as a firm supporter of the scientific method I can still be concerned that simply because science can do something, should it. I would advise either coming to terms with her inability to conceive or pursue another avenue for creating a family like adoption. You will notice I am not addressing the paternal side of this issue only the maternal. Which does not mean I do not welcome men’s opinions on this matter, so please do comment.

For the sake of brevity, let me wrap this up by saying I fully understand the gravity of this question. It is not a question to be taken lightly. It is one encumbered with many different issues from the elitism of being financially capable of incurring the enormous cost of something like artificial insemination to the ethical considerations of just being able to create life outside of natural means.

Contributor: Cyn

We have already done a “your view” on the best human invention and as I was recently browsing the forums, I saw a post by The Doppleganger suggesting a your view on the opposite subject – what is the worst human invention. So – here it is! Be sure to give your reasons in the comments.

What is the Best TV Show Ever?

My answer: Television. Looking through the recent channel listings for cable, there is very little of merit to be seen there. Aside from the news (which is always biased one way or another) and documentaries – which also often have a bias, the television seems to have contributed nothing to society. In fact, I think you could safely say that television, having become a nanny for so many children, and an escape for so many adults, has helped to dumb down our society and reduce our ability to use our imaginations. I should confess that while I almost never watch TV, I do occasionally watch “made for TV” programs which I have downloaded (to avoid ads).

Television has transformed society and virtually everyone with the financial means owns one and watches one. Whether you love the news, sports, drama, movies, or comedy, there is something for everyone on television. Some people use it as a baby-sitter, others as a relaxation tool, and some even preach against it – but it is always on our mind. So, with all of that in mind, we want to know what you think the best program ever made for TV is – from any genre. Don’t forget to give your reasons!

What is the Best TV Show Ever?

My answer: For those of you who have been watching this site for some time (especially those who have been here since the beginning) will know about my love of all things David Lynch. Therefore it will come as no surprise to you to know that I think Twin Peaks is the best TV show ever made. It created a whole new style of program and gave us something quirky and mysterious to watch every week. My only gripe is its early demise.

Creationism is a hotly debated topic in the United States and, indeed, the world. There are many forms of creationism – the belief that God sparked the big bang leading to the eventual formation of the universe as we know it, to the belief that God literally created everything in 7 days. Opposing this view is that of Science which excludes a prime mover. Remember, be fair in the debate and no ad hominem attacks!

Should Creationism Be Taught In Schools?

My answer: I think that there is a sufficiently high percentage of people who believe in some form of special creation that the belief system could be explained to students. I don’t advocate it being taught as “truth” against the scientific theories of creation, but there is no reason that only one idea must be taught. So I think it certainly could be taught in social studies class, or religious education class (in religious schools), but definitely not in Science class. [Image above: Adam and Eve, by Enrico Baj - 1986]

In November this year, the people of the United States will go to the polls to elect a new president. For the first time in history, one of the contenders is black. Obama has now won the support of the Democratic party and the lead up to the elections is looking to be fascinating. The whole world is watching to see what the Americans will do. The fact that the US might elect a black president this year leads us to our your view question – is the US ready for it? Have the racial troubles of the 60s now receded far enough in to the past for people to accept the idea? Please remember to attack points of view and not the people speaking. Ad hominem attacks are a signal of defeat in a debate.

Is the US Ready for a Black President?

My answer: Yes. I believe the majority of Americans are ready for a black president. I think the American love of politics and their desire to see integrity in the office means that they will vote for the best man for the job – regardless of race or gender – and I think that this year the election will prove that.

Before many drugs and cosmetics are tested on humans or released for human consumption, they are usually tested on animals. This is such a common occurrence that poison doses are measured in LD50 – median lethal dose required to kill half the members of a tested population (usually rats) – this involves intentionally killing large numbers of animals. Many people are opposed to testing on animals while many others are for it. This your view is an opportunity for people to debate the pros and cons. Remember, battle against arguments – not people – ad hominem attacks are a sign of a failed argument.

Is Animal Testing Necessary?

My answer: Yes. I believe that human safety must come first and that if it takes animal testing as a first step in ensuring human safety, that step must be taken.

I have put this topic off for a while now, owing to the extremely controversial nature of it, but I think that we are all mature enough to cope without it becoming a battle of the wills – and if not – I will just turn the comments off! So, here is our most controversial your view to date! Remember, battle against arguments – not people – ad hominem attacks are a sign of a failed argument.

Should Abortion Be Legal?

My answer: No. I believe that abortion has become so out of control that it has become a form of contraception. There is a high physical and mental cost involved and many of the young women who have abortions are not always fully aware of these consequences. From a philosophical perspective I also wonder whether we would have a cure for AIDS and other diseases now if someone hadn’t aborted the child that was going to ultimately find the cure. Of course this also applies in reverse – how many Hitlers have been prevented from being born, but I think that society is better equipped to deal with that situation if it were to arise again.

To help us reverse some of the negative comments in recent “your view” topics, we are going to do a positive your view – we are going to look at which one man or woman has contributed the most to the betterment of society throughout all history. You can pick anyone from anytime or any place.

What One Person Has Done Most Good For Society?

My answer: This is a very tough question for all of us – and me especially! I am torn between a number of different people for my answer, but finally, at a push, I have chosen Alexander Fleming. It was he who discovered penicillin, for which he won a shared Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. How many countless millions of people have had their lives saved by his discovery? How many numerous diseases have been wiped out? I was tempted to pick Louis Pasteur for his earlier work in microbiotics, but he lost out because his method of pasteurization prevents me from getting great unpasteurized cheese in New Zealand!

This is a topic which keeps coming up again and again in the press as various countries, cities, and states legalize or debate the legalizing of same-sex marriage. So it seems like a good topic for debate on the site.

Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?

My answer: I am going to be controversial and political with my answer, which is: Should the state have any say in a moral issue such as this anyway? At what point does the state have a right to legislate for or against issues which are traditionally left to a person’s conscience? Deeper than the issue on abortion, gay marriage, prostitution and the like, is the problem of governments believing they have the need (and the right) to tell people how they should live their lives.

After a brief hiatus, we have our latest “your view”. So far many of the topics have been on especially controversial subjects, so today we get one which is less controversial but likely to have the most varied answers.

What is the greatest human invention?

My answer: The Internet. This is partly for selfish reasons – the internet has taught me more than anyone or anything else – for that reason it is the most important invention that has an effect on my life. What is the greatest invention in your opinion and why?