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Are We Meant to Assume Divine Roles in Medicine and Science?

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The Fine Line Between Science and Conscience

Science can often feel like a chaotic force, much like a bolt of lightning striking through the fabric of reality. In the text "Mary Shelley and the Birth of ‘Frankenstein’ (1818)," author Marc Barham presents a compelling examination of Mary Shelley’s iconic work, "Frankenstein." Shelley, a visionary of her time, raises profound questions: Was her creative impulse driven by intuition, or did her storytelling foresee our current realities? The implications of her narrative are strikingly relevant today, leading us to ponder the concept of "Frankensteinism."

Barham articulates a critical point made by Shelley, encapsulating the existential inquiry, "How far is too far?" This is not just an individual dilemma but a collective quandary that humanity must face.

Shelley’s tumultuous life, filled with personal strife and societal rejection, parallels the themes of alienation and social injustice woven throughout her novel. Barham notes:

“Frankenstein” illustrates how ambition and progress can easily morph into hubris. When things go awry, the distinction between reasonable ambition and overreaching becomes glaringly apparent. However, the narrative transcends mere autobiography, transforming into a universal cautionary tale about technology and myth.

In Shelley's narrative, we confront a pivotal question that resonates through time:

"How far is too far?"

The question emerges anew in L.S. Dugdale's "The Lost Art of Dying: Reviving Forgotten Wisdom," where the author probes the delicate balance between divine intervention and life-saving measures.

A Personal Reflection on Ethical Dilemmas

Witnessing my grandmother's gradual decline was an emotional crucible that forced my family and me into an agonizing ethical decision. The attending physician presented us with a choice: should we continue aggressive treatment or allow her to rest? With less than a 10% chance of survival, we were left to navigate the murky waters of hope and despair.

Once my grandmother slipped into a coma, we made choices on her behalf. Even years later, the weight of our decision haunts us, lingering with doubts about whether we acted rightly. The only solace we clung to was the belief that we minimized her suffering, a notion we could never fully validate.

Dugdale's work reveals that even those in the medical profession grapple with doubts and regrets. Medical professionals are not infallible; they make mistakes and face dilemmas that challenge their ethics. Gian-Paul Vidal, in "Do Physicians Play God?" echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the moral complexities inherent in medical practice.

"Do we play at God when we attempt to stave off death? While we can employ various methods to keep a person alive, the inevitable truth remains: we cannot always succeed."

This reflection provides a measure of comfort, albeit belated, as I recall my grandmother's passing.

The Ethical Implications of Medical Intervention

Our faith in a higher power often leads us to confront the reality of death—not as something to fear, but as an inevitable part of life. The modern Hippocratic Oath obliges us to treat patients as whole individuals, recognizing that death is part of the human experience.

"I treat a human being, whose illness affects their family and stability," Vidal explains, emphasizing the need for compassion in medical treatment.

My grandfather, a radiologist, often wrestled with his professional obligations when my grandmother was ill. He taught me to prioritize scientific reasoning over alternative approaches, but his later interest in theology blurred those lines.

In contrast, I believe in a higher power that transcends traditional notions of God. I see divinity in the compassionate acts of doctors, who often become the last hope in moments of vulnerability.

Yet, the question remains: how far is too far? Shelley’s character, Victor Frankenstein, serves as a cautionary representation of the consequences of overreaching.

Shifting Perspectives on Playing God

Since the 1960s, ethical discussions surrounding the idea of "playing God" have evolved, initially focusing on euthanasia and later shifting to reproductive technologies and genetic manipulation. Critics argue that such scientific advancements overstep natural boundaries, suggesting that these are roles only divinity should assume.

Mary Shelley is not alone in her exploration of this theme. Numerous female authors have depicted the ethical dilemmas surrounding medical practices. For instance, Victoria Mas’s "The Mad Women’s Ball" illustrates the dehumanization of women labeled as "mad," revealing the darker side of medical authority.

Eugénie Cléry’s harrowing experience at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital epitomizes the cruelty inflicted upon women deemed nonconformists. Similarly, Margaret Atwood's "Alias Grace" scrutinizes societal perceptions of women who challenge norms.

When faced with mortality, existential fears surface. Doctors have made significant strides in understanding the language of healing, yet the acknowledgment of their fallibility is rare.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Humanity

Victor Frankenstein’s attempts to transcend natural limits force us to reflect on our roles in the cosmos. Are we striving to solve problems, or are we creating new ones?

As we navigate the complexities of existence, it is essential to remember that our humanity demands we make choices that resonate through generations. Collaborating with the forces of nature, we must accept our limitations as we endeavor to make ethical decisions in life-and-death matters.

In the first video, "Should We Really Be Playing God? In Conversation with Nick Spencer," the discussion explores the moral implications of scientific advancements and the responsibilities of those in the medical field.

The second video, "Playing God: An Evolutionary History of World Religion (with David Fitzgerald)," delves into the historical context of humanity's relationship with the divine and the ethical questions surrounding that dynamic.

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