Harrer Friedrich
University of Salzburg, A-Salzburg, Germany.
ALTEX. 2002;19 Suppl 1:5-9.
In current ethics debates, the protection of animals and the environment are central themes. In this context, reference is made to "ethics of responsibility". In the reality of scientific life and the conduct of science, "ethics of responsibility" have only had a modest impact. Reflection based on the history of thought may explain this finding. Upon abolishing God, man has redirected an initially religious love and devotion toward himself. The postulate of unfettered dominion over the Earth has become the supreme principle. "Theoria" in the sense of its original meaning, that is a celebratory admiration for sacred Nature, is incomprehensible to modern man. Nature has been stripped of its sanctity and transformed into something to be exploited for its human utility. Consequently, today the credo applies that to interpret the freedom of science according to ethical principles is utterly untenable. The author pleads for reconsideration.
在当前的伦理辩论中，动物保护和环境保护是核心主题。在此背景下，人们提及“责任伦理”。在科学实践和科学行为的现实中，“责任伦理”的影响有限。基于思想史上的反思或许可以解释这一现象。废除上帝之后，人类将原本对宗教的爱与奉献转向了自身。对地球不受限制的统治这一假设已成为最高原则。从其原初意义上讲的“理论”，即对神圣自然的颂扬性赞美，现代人已无法理解。自然已被剥夺神圣性，变成了为满足人类功利而被开发利用的对象。因此，如今认为依据伦理原则诠释科学自由完全站不住脚的信条盛行。作者呼吁重新思考。
