In the past, principles and concerns of bioethics have reflected the standards and concerns of our societies. However, after the September 11 attacks, a shift in American society has been witnessed with reduced allegations on bioethics. It is alleged that some fundamental themes of bioethics have been trapped in cultural shifts sensibilities.
Based on the above facts, Jonathan Moreno in the article Bioethics after the Terror analyses the possible implications of bioethics that could result in tension in the field that has never witnessed major changes in the priorities of its immediate customs (Moreno 62). This article is my response to the article.
Based on the examples given in the essay, I noted that the concerns and rights about bioethics have been on a decline even before the September 11 attacks. As such, Moreno claims that even before the attacks, the American intelligence organs were accused of planning to develop a virulent strain of anthrax and other biological weapons.
This implies that abusive experiments may have been in development without public knowledge. As Moreno claims, I also believe that these allegations took a back seat after the September 11 attacks because of the augmented attention on solidarity rather than autonomy. Thus, in the absence of the attacks, the allegations could have resulted in numerous heated debates.
In line with the author’s revelations, I believe that any new exposure about states’ secret experiments focused on thwarting terrorisms ambitions would be met with the little public reaction as opposed to the period before the attacks. In the 1970s, the US military loses public sympathy after it emerged that it was funding chemical weapon research (Moreno 60).
This revelation attracted a lot of criticism from the public members, and civilian organization meant to protect our national survival. In my opinion, rights and concerns about bioethics would decline further as the risk of external threats increases. Therefore, medical institutions and healthcare experts will play a crucial role in the future by lessening and identifying the effects of chemical or biological attacks.
For that reason, medical professionals should be cautious not to support such abusive and secretive researchers (Moreno 63). Instead, they should condemn it and be the first to identify and respond to incidences of biological or chemical attacks. Through this, they will enhance their self-esteem among the public members.
After reading through Moreno’s article, I believe that the field of bioethics should be enhanced to match up with the current changes in American society. I think that previous effort in bioethics should not be completely abandoned in favor of modern theoretical findings. As such, the fight against terrorism should not be stopped but rather be conducted in a manner that respects individual rights. In the same manner, Americans should not only be concerned with threats posed against them but also risks posed against their rivals.
Equally, western scholars focused on humanities field should familiarize themselves with Islamic teachings. This would not only aid in appreciating Islamic teachings but also help in incorporating Muslim learning as never before (Moreno 64). Through this endeavor, genuine Islamic scholarships should be supported. If the above efforts are supported, I believe that our ignorance about Islamic laws and teachings will be reduced, leading to a better understanding and appreciation about our religious differences.
Bibliography
Moreno, Jonathan. “Bioethics after the Terror.” Bioeth Journal 2.1 (2002): 60-64. Print.