Playing God

Because scientists have the knowledge and ability to manipulate the biological world, their experimenting is often referred to as "playing god." Playing god has gotten fictional scientists like Dr. Frankenstein into trouble. In Daniel Keyes's Flowers for Algernon, playing god is a major theme. Scientists use Charlie, a mentally disabled boy, as a guinea pig for a progressive form of surgery. Charlie develops a much stronger sense of self once the surgery has proven to be effective, and his life completely changes. Not only does Charlie become more intelligent but he also develops a keener sense of self and personal identity. Although the effects of the surgery eventually wore off, and in spite of Algernon's eventual demise, the scientists cannot be faulted. Playing god is a scientist's job; god would not have imbued human beings with innate curiosity and keen intelligence if god did not intend for those talents to be put to use.

Even if the initial consequences seem morally ambiguous in experiments like the one described in Flowers for Algernon, it would be foolish to assume that scientists should simply stop working. Scientific inquiry and experimentation do leave unfortunate casualties in their wake, but those setbacks seem small compared with the tremendous benefits that science also provides. Without experimentation and the willingness to play god every day, scientists would be unable to develop new tools and technologies that help eliminate disease and suffering.

Playing god is a natural expression of the divine spark in all human beings. The most astute and creative people on the planet play god. Artists and musicians play god, even if their work does not please every viewer or listener. The job of the artist or scientist is not to please people, but to use the gifts given to them by the creator to make the world a better place.