Biocracy and Democracy: Science, Ethics, and the Law

Extract

Lynton K. Caldwell presented the following article as a paper at the third annual “Dialogues in Biology and Politics” panel co-sponsored by the Association for Politics and the Life Sciences and the American Political Science Association at their 1984 conventions in Washington, D.C.

—The Editor

Because some of the language that follows is unconventional, it may be useful to clarify terms at the outset. The term biocracy as used here has two meanings, or more accurately, has two aspects to an inclusive meaning. The inclusive meaning is the influence of life forces on human social behavior, notably political behavior. The first, and basic, aspect of biocracy pertains to the actual influence of life forces on human society whether or not perceived or understood. The second aspect refers to the perceived effects on society of the findings and applications of the life sciences. Perceived effects mayor may not be consistent with actual influences; they may nonetheless shape popular attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. To the extent that life forces are deterministic they shape the character of societies. The extent to which human social behavior is biologically determined is largely unknown. At the very least, life forces appear to set limits within which human culture may select various options.