Convenience, not principles

A high-profile politician recently said, “I will let science guide us, not ideology.”

It is naïve and dangerous to think that empirical science by itself will only pursue ends and means that are consistent with the ethical norms of society or that empirical science by itself is not an ideology on its own.

The dignity of human life is not a scientifically derived concept. All of us should feel less safe when our leaders can so easily set aside principles in favor of convenience and utilitarianism.

"For first, men will disclaim their hearts,
and presently they will have no hearts.
God help the people whose Statesmen walk your road."
Robert Bolt
(line given to St. Thomas More
in the play "A Man for All Seasons)