Catalan
Association of Bioethical Studies
Associació
Catalana d'Estudis Bioètics (ACEB)
GREETINGS FROM ACEB
WELCOME
to our web site!
Over recent years we have seen an unprecedented and uncontrolled growth in the application of technology affecting even the most intimate aspects of human biology at both the cellular and molecular levels. Scientific curiosity and a desire for excessive protagonism, combined with economic pressure from the assisted reproduction sector, have led some investigators to venture into the uncharted and potentially dangerous territory of genetic manipulation. These attempts to "recreate nature" generally lack the due care and respect and also tend to forget the need to reflect upon the ethical limits required to guarantee human dignity.
We must never forget that the scientific and technological knowledge of which the men and women of the XXI century are so proud, in fact stems from an intellectual tradition that stretches back over many centuries: from the origins of scientific method itself. It is simply a case of re-reading nature and continuous learning from its natural laws. To be perfectly honest, XXI century man has little to offer us as a creator. In fact he has not "created" anything; not even his own brain. Perhaps his only creations have been machines, but these have been nothing more than combinations of existing laws copied from the book of nature.
The human being should not forget that he/she lives within and forms and integral part of the natural world. The Catalan Association of Bioethical Studies (ACEB) would like to remind everyone that over and above the principles of Belmont and beyond the blinding light of scientific achievement, the first bioethical principle is that of respecting each and every man and woman on the simple basis of them forming part of mankind. This knows no conditions, it permits no discriminating considerations: no exceptions and no subtle reasoning.
ACEB recognises the intrinsic, objective and real value of each and every human being and his/her essential individuality. This is the prime source of the principles of all basic human rights, independent of the individual's personal capacities or present circumstances. This reality is recognised in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights of 1948. However, it seems evident that the value of the human being does not really depend on declarations or official recognitions, but evidently pre-dates the two.
We advocate adopting a responsible attitude in everything that we do. This applies to areas and matters in which technological changes may affect or try to change human life and ones in which their consequences may bring about modifications to the natural environment.
Welcome to our web site!
Juan
Vidal-Bota
President
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We would be grateful for any comments, questions or suggestions: contact with ACEB
