Science can tell us how people do live, but not how they should live. Neuroscience can tell us how the brain does function, but not which of our natural human behaviors should not be indulged in.
The idea that "is does not imply ought" cuts both ways. Because rape and slavery exist, it it true that this does not mean they should. However, principled opposition to these and other terrible things also exists, yet the existence of this opposition does not mean it should exist either. This opposition must be justified, and science cannot do this, but only tell us what does or does not in fact occur.
Monday, October 11, 2010
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