Thomas Aquinas, Scientist: How Might He Approach 21st Century Biotechnology

Despite flaws in his biology, Aquinas’ writings offer us guidance in our approach to 21st century biotechnology. Aquinas’ notion of a Just War provides us with a way for thinking about biotechnology, since both use morally ambiguous means to address evils in an imperfect world. A comparison of these two disparate issues can yield criteria for an ethics of biotechnology. Stephen Meredith is Professor in Pathology and the Biological Sciences at The University of Chicago, and teaches Fundamentals courses in the College.