By Shivani Arivuchelvan and Kate Borton
Year 10
Science brings society to the next level; ethics keeps us there. This quote allows us all to ponder upon the modern scientific marvels being constructed to mend our society’s breaks, alongside the intertwined ethics within them. Before you begin reading, I would like you to think about this open question: “Are we headed to a world filled with science to improve the quality of our lifestyle and the ability to apply ethical ideas within these scientific concepts in order for us to sustain our lifestyles?”
On 5 August this week, a keen group of Junior Westlake learners from both Year 9 and 10 filled their minds with science and excitement as we eagerly participated in the Science and Ethics day held at St Cuthbert’s. This event was organised by incredible and inspiring doctors of both Philosophy and Bioethics from the Centre of Science and Ethics who held their audience captive with activities and discussion aimed at encouraging our younger generation, during a workshop designed to challenge and peak our interest in how we can shape our future.
Throughout the event, which called for collaboration amongst like-minded students from several schools across Auckland, we reflected on our passions and interests for scientific solutions regarding genetic modification, synthetic food sources, household / industrial energy and much more. The format of the day consisted of a range of practical activities that flourished with futuristic conversations and progressed on to ethical debates around topics such as: “do you mind whether the meat sold in the supermarket is farmed or grown in a lab?” This led to discussion around sustainable farming solutions that may reduce energy usage.
We happily collaborated and were motivated to expand our knowledge and interests within science and philosophy by critically analysing the connections formed between traditional and innovative contemporary issues within our global society.
The start of this article asks us to think about how we can make improvements to our lifestyles but to do so ethically. After this event, we weren’t sure we had an answer to this question as it gave us more questions to ponder upon, but it surely motivated us to keep researching and forge a drive to action in science and ethics.
We are grateful for the time devoted to us by our teachers in getting us to this event and for encouraging and motivating us to grow and become change-makers for the future.