What are the ethical limitations of gaining scientific knowledge?  That’s the driving question behind our reading of Frankenstein for this section of English IV.  Other smaller questions:

• What responsibilities does a scientist have when it comes to his or her research/invention/creation?
• What real control does a scientist have over the outcomes of his or her research?
• Do the benefits of scientific and technological research outweigh the dangers inherent in such advancements?
• How far are we willing to go just to seek more knowledge?
• Are there things that are unknowable or should be left unknowable?
• We have the knowledge, and we have the capability – should we do it?

In this unit, students will read Frankenstein and discuss the Romantic implications of the themes in the novel.  They will connect this reading with current advances in science and technology.  They will also probe the ethical questions at play in the cases of Henrietta Lacks and J. Robert Oppenheimer and debate the implications of decisions made in both of these cases.  Finally, students will conduct research into a modern ethical dilemma in the field of health and life sciences and present that research.

First though:  Can science answer moral questions?  According to Sam Harris, they can.  Sam Harris: Science can answer moral questions – YouTube.