Author: Fr. Thomas Cullen, SJ
Article Abstract:
An excerpt from a paper of the late Father Cullen dealing with the ethical obligation of the scientific community to inform and educate the public in general on what is happening in science. In this paper originally reprinted in 1981 ITEST Bulletin, he discusses the presumed interaction of radiation (from nuclear explosions, leaks, etc.) with the DNA molecule and the genetic effects. He cautions the public not be taken in by sometimes wild claims in the media on dire effects of radiation, for example. At the same time however, he reminds scientists of their responsibility to educate the public on advances in science neither exaggerating nor minimizing the “true” picture.
