Challenges of modern civilization towards science and human values

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleΠροκλήσεις του σύγχρονου πολιτισμού προς την επιστήμη και τις αξίες
3. Language term Greek, Modern (1453-)
4. lemma author Katsiampoura, Gianna
5. lemma category Modes of interaction > Orthodox critique of science - Orthodox view on technology and engineering
6. Publication date 20-06-2017
7. lemma work Christophorou, Loucas [Author]. Challenges of modern civilization towards science and human values
8. lemma manifestations Πρακτικά Ακαδημίας Αθηνών
9. Keywords genetics - science - environment - pollution
10. Url Click Here
11. Citations
    1. <p>Christophorou Loucas (2014), "Προκλήσεις του σύγχρονου πολιτισμού προς την επιστήμη και τις αξίες" ("Challenges of modern civilization towards science and human values"), <em>Proceedings of Academy of Athens</em> 89A, 201-231</p>
12. Lemma body

    1. In the first part of this paper, the writer Loucas Christophorou describes the main characteristics of modern civilization: the development of science and technology, the increase in Gross Domestic Product and consumption, the improvement of quality of life, more freedom, and more information. However, this consumption is dangerous for environment while inequality between poor and rich is increasing. Continuing, the writer presents some questions about the role of scientists, as well as his opinion that the modern science is competitive with traditional values while interferes dangerously with the biological evolution of man.

       According to Loucas Christophorou, the main challenges in modern world are about the use of energy and genetic mechanics. His argument is based on a biologist who claims that moral issues based on tradition and faith will cease to exist.

       That means that family will be destroyed while a new kind of man will exist, the man-machine, who couldn’t understand the traditional difference between good and evil.

       That means revising the human concept.

       The second challenge, about the use of energy, is related to the increase of consumption and, of course, to the increase of the population especially in the cities. Pollution, exhaustion of natural resources, as well as climate change, derive from these energy needs. Therefore, it is necessary for science to find solutions for clean and safe energy, as well as food sources.

       At the final paragraph of his article, Loucas Christophorou says that the necessary science and technology must be complemented by universal values to ensure peaceful coexistence even in conditions of limited natural resources. It is worth noting here that for Christophorou the universal human values are identical to the Christian ones.