"When I found so astonishing a power placed within my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it. Although I possessed the capacity of bestowing animation, yet to prepare a frame for the reception of it, with all its intricacies of fibres, muscles, and veins, still remained a work of inconceivable difficulty and labour. I doubted at first whether I should attempt the creation of a being like myself, or one of simpler organisation; but my imagination was too much exalted by my first success to permit me to doubt of my ability to give life to an animal as complex and wonderful as man. The materials at present within my command hardly appeared adequate to so arduous an undertaking; but I doubted not that I should ultimately succeed. I prepared myself for a multitude of reverses; my operations might be incessantly baffled, and at last my work be imperfect: yet, when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics, I was encouraged to hope my present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success. Nor could I consider the magnitude and complexity of my plan as any argument of its impracticability. It was with these feelings that I began the creation of a human being. As the minuteness of the parts formed a great hinderance to my speed, I resolved, contrary to my first intention, to make the being of a gigantic stature; that is to say, about eight feet in height, and proportionably large. After having formed this determination, and having spent some months in successfully collecting and arranging my materials, I began." (From the text of Frankenstein)
The dilemma is ever present in the text of Frankenstein. The internal battle rages of the questions between if I can, should I? If we have the ability, does that in itself give us right to act? This same ethical dilemma seems to continue on ever present in so many faucets of society today. Genetic Research, Cloning, and Euthanasia all stand out as paramount ethical dilemmas that tend to take the forefront of discussion. But yet there seems to be even more countless smaller and at first sight seemingly insignificant frontiers. Questions on development of Surreal Societies, Artificial Intelligence in all forms, and creating remote weapons that continue to separate more and more the inflicter and the inflicted.
Who decides these and other ethical issues of our day?
If I can, should I?
We have been told since childhood that we are the future. Well now the future is here and so are the problems and issues that go with it. It is up to us to be informed, to have an educated opinion, and thereby decide these ethical questions. I may not be a scientist who does the cloning, but I can join the conversation. In fact, I have a duty to join.
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