A Different Reason for Worrying About Stem Cell Research

By Christopher R.L. Blake, chair of education department and director of teacher education of Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland

Matrix Magazine, October 2001

Christopher Blake argues for the central role of liberal learning even in the field of biotechnology. He notes that too many U.S. college and university leaders are being sidelined in the role of developing policies to govern biotechnology. "It is inconceivable to think that the challenges of the 21st century can be addressed without the full leadership of the university's real capital, which is knowledge and not trust funds," he writes.

Citing President George W. Bush's decision on stem cell research as an example, Blake writes, "We are told that President Bush agonized long and hard, taking advice from his advisors before he arrived at his funding decision on stem cell research. With all due respect, that really isn't good enough." The timing is crucial, Blake writes, for the academy's "breadth of knowledge" to be consulted for public good.

Blake feels the academy has been "oddly quiet," allowing others to steer the biotech revolution: "We are at the beginning of a New Renaissance, although a more negative analogy, such as Global Laboratory, might be applicable depending on the steps we choose for the future."

The liberal arts are central to this crucial dilemma, he feels, because—although the sciences themselves will provide the means to effect the revolution—the arts will help society to decide how to best govern the outcomes of the new knowledge of this "Renaissance."

To view the article, visit www.matrixmagazine.com/.

If you want to comment on this article or its topic, visit our Talk Back section.

The articles featured in AAC&U Perspectives do not necessarily represent the views of AAC&U staff, its board of directors, or its membership.