Yes, Virginia

[Andrew Dinn]

Tom Stanton writes:

> Diana York Blaine wrote:

> > Isn't one of Pynchon's favorite themes the effect of multi-national 
> > corporate capitalism on all aspects of culture, including science?

> Yes, but I don't think it's an indictment of science. Rather, an
> indictment
> of those who rationalize inhumanity in the name of science. Pointsman is
> a perfect example. Blicero too. And let's not forget V...

This is the age old response from scientists that science (and a
fortiori technology) merely opens up possibilities and choices. It is
neither good or bad it is only the choices people make as to what do
with science which are good or bad.

Well, the problem with this argument is that whether a choice is good
or bad involves politics and ethics. So developing science and
technology is implicitly performing a political act. You change the
lie of the political landscape by changing what people can do and how
they can do it. Pretending that the politics must be someone else's
fault just is not good enough.

And just as bad is the common response that if I don't do the science
someone else would have got there first, and probably someone much
more evil than humble, disinterested scientist yours truly. That
argument would not have justified Shem murdering Abel while Cain was
still sharpening his knife, would it?


Andrew Dinn
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And though Earthliness forget you,
To the stilled Earth say:  I flow.
To the rushing water speak:  I am.