The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 300: Science, Bodily Integrity, and the Dead (2025)
6 snips
Oct 27, 2025 Explore the vital relationship between science and human dignity. Fr. Mike highlights the moral boundaries necessary for scientific research. He emphasizes that science should enhance lives rather than define meaning. The discussion touches on the ethics of organ donation, the wrongness of terrorism, and how to care for the dying. There's also reflection on the past mistakes of the Church regarding torture and abuse. The episode encourages a thoughtful and prayerful approach to science, rooted in respect for every person.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Science Has Moral Limits
- Science and technology are valuable but cannot alone disclose the meaning of existence or human progress.
- They must serve the human person and find moral limits in human dignity and God's plan.
Prioritize Human Dignity Over Efficiency
- Avoid treating technical efficiency or usefulness as the sole moral guide for research and technology.
- Ensure scientific work respects inalienable human rights and the person’s true integral good.
Require Genuine Informed Consent
- Do not use potential consent to justify acts that violate human dignity or moral law.
- Require informed consent and avoid disproportionate or avoidable risks in human experiments.
