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SF Chronicle, Letter to Editor:
Don't let paid experts make ethical judgments 1/26/08
Editor - Is it right for anyone to try to create synthetic life? The answer is "yes," says bioethicist Arthur Caplan ("U.S. scientists take a giant step toward the creation of artificial life in the lab," Jan. 25). The "inventor" of artificial life himself, scientist Craig Venter, gave Caplan money (in the form of a grant) to come up with this opinion. Shouldn't an ethicist be the first to recognize what is commonly known as a conflict of interest? And how much money changed hands, for that matter?
Moreover, this ethicist goes one step further in his arrogance. "There is nothing that violates religious restrictions, or God's will" with respect to the pursuit of artificial life, claims Caplan. Not only does Caplan offer us an obviously biased opinion, but he also claims to be able to read God's mind. Amazing.
In any case, Caplan's reputation for integrity is not enough to vouch for the objectivity of his statements. This is too controversial and serious a subject to be left up to bought-and-paid-for "ethical" experts.
NADIA SILVERSHINE San Rafael
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