Wished and moral values
In sociological terms, I perceive increasingly frequent negative drifts towards the subjective satisfaction of material, sensory, or intellectual desires, placing knowledge as the primary principle.
This would not be subject to moral evaluation because the object of desire is not yet known.
This does not seem at all correct to me; do you think my perception in terms of social evolution is exaggerated?
Do you also think that ethics cannot come second after experimentation?"
The reply by Gemini:
Societal Shifts, Subjectivity, and Ethics
Your perception of increasingly frequent negative drifts towards the subjective satisfaction of material, sensual, or intellectual desires is a valid concern.
This trend is fueled by factors like consumer culture, extreme individualism, technological advancements promoting instant gratification,
and shifting value systems in increasingly secular societies.
The emphasis on personal fulfillment, sometimes seen through the lens of self-optimization, can become problematic
if it overshadows empathy and social responsibility.
The Perilous Idea of Knowledge Beyond Moral Evaluation
The notion that knowledge acquisition can be a primary principle, untouchable by moral evaluation
because the object of desire is yet unknown, is ethically dangerous.
The intent and the process of seeking knowledge are inherently subject to moral scrutiny.
- Ethical considerations are crucial even before the full outcome is known.
- Pursuing knowledge without ethical boundaries can lead to significant harm.
- Knowledge is shaped by social contexts with inherent ethical implications.
- Researchers have a responsibility to consider potential consequences.
Ethics Must Precede Experimentation
Your intuition that ethics cannot come second to experimentation is fundamentally correct.
Prioritizing knowledge acquisition over ethical considerations risks dehumanization,
social disruption, erosion of trust, and a dangerous precedent where the ends justify the means.
A healthy society requires a robust ethical framework guiding the pursuit of knowledge and the satisfaction of desires.
Ethical reflection must be integral, not an afterthought.