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XV 



Biological Philosophy 



IT has been correctly said — "there is a direct relationship between the 

 content of the human mind and world events." The way in which men 

 think determines largely whether we shall have war or peace, whether 

 we shall have progress or poverty. A course in biological science should 

 do more than teach biological principles; it should teach scientific logic, 

 the habits of suspended judgment and tolerance, and the fallacies of com- 

 mon superstitions. It is becoming clearer, I hope, that there is a fine correla- 

 tion between the above mentioned qualities and statesmanship. Not that 

 we believe the best statesmen are necessarily the scientists but the qualities 

 of common sense and forbearance and the belief in the oneness of human 

 knowledge that characterize the true scientist are essential for good leader- 

 ship. How often do we see our chosen leaders preach race hatreds and 

 intolerance, how often do they promulgate laws for the good of minorities 

 at the expense of the masses, how often do they twist facts to suit their 

 purpose? 



Biological science can and should deal with the philosophical aspects 

 of nature. Is truth static or subject to change? How did man evolve — and 

 where and when? Is man changing now and if so is he improving physi- 

 cally or degenerating? Does science teach moral values and does it attempt 

 to take the place of religion? These are questions which the scientist should 

 be best able to discuss if not answer satisfactorily because they are in the 

 realm of science, A broad background is necessary to see all the implications 

 in these problems. Science has often been accused of assembling the data 

 and then allowing unqualified people to interpret it. They have also been 

 accused of being indifferent to the uses to which their discoveries were 

 put. Both of these accusations have a good deal of merit. It is heartening 

 to see some of the leading scientists of the country raising their voices in 

 an effort to interpret and direct the products of their toil. 



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