SCIENCE AND MORALITY

The article describes the features of modern science, one of the central among which is the responsibility of scientists to society for the consequences of the application of scientific ideas and technical developments. The anthropogenic impact on the biosphere and civilization has become so destructive that further uncontrolled development of this trend in the near future may become irreversible and lead to catastrophic consequences. The reason is the deepening imbalance between the pace of development of science and the increase in the technical potential of society, on the one hand, and progress in the field of moral culture, on the other. The dominance of totalitarian ideology in the XXI century influenced science, the value of which began to be measured by utilitarianism. Can a scientist be considered free from moral obligations regarding the application of the results of scientific research obtained by him that can harm humanity? Two approaches to solving this problem are highlighted. The origins of the separation of science and morality are shown, due to the fact that from the XVI century science, turning purely to the study of nature, refused to analyze the spiritual world of man. Ideas about the structure of the outside world came to the forefront of scientific research and diverted the attention of scientists from the person himself, from morality and morality, including humanitarian knowledge. Gradually, the discrepancy between the level of morality and the rapid development of technical knowledge and technologies focused on increasing the comfort of life increased. The reason is the dominance of material values of utilitarian content and the weakening of moral aspiration in society, including in the scientific environment. Neglect of moral responsibility is the basis for the emergence of technological incarnations that can destroy the world. The future of humanity can only be secured through moral progress. The shift in emphasis towards the humanities, social and socio-biological sciences is an indispensable condition for the “accident-free development” of mankind.
Conclusion – the risks of humanity’s self-destruction must be taken under universal harsh responsibility, otherwise humanity will face an imminent catastrophe.

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