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Science & Bioethics

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Religion and Science

Explore the relationship between religion and science in the U.S., polling on the issue, and scientists’ religious beliefs.

 

Stem Cell Research Package

Explore the debate over embryonic stem cell research, public opinion on the issue, religious groups' views and the status of stem cell research in other countries.

 
Religion and Science: Conflict or Harmony?
Leading journalists gathered in Key West, Fla., in May 2009 for the Pew Forum's Faith Angle Conference. Francis S. Collins, former director of the Human Genome Project, discussed why he believes religion and science are compatible and why the current conflict over evolution vs. faith is unnecessary.
How Our Brains are Wired for Belief
Recent advances in neuroscience and brain-imaging technology have offered researchers a look into the physiology of religious experiences.
Oregon's 'Death with Dignity' Law: 10 Years Later
Ten years have passed since Oregon became the first state in the nation to authorize doctors to assist terminally ill patients in voluntarily ending their lives.
The Biology Wars: The Religion, Science and Education Controversy
Some of the nation's leading journalists gathered in Key West, Florida, in December 2005 for the Pew Forum's biannual Faith Angle Conference on religion, politics and public life. Conference speaker Edward J. Larson, Talmadge Chair of Law and Russ...
Judicial Faith? Ideology, Religion and the Rule of Law: A Conversation with Noah Feldman
Just weeks before the Senate confirmation hearings of Judge Samuel A. Alito, President Bush's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, the Forum held a discussion for journalists and other policy leaders on the role of religion in the judicial confirma...
The Right to Assisted Suicide?: Oregon Goes to the Supreme Court
Oregon has twice, by ballot initiative, adopted a measure allowing for physician-assisted suicide. The measure, known as the "Death With Dignity Act," raises serious moral and ethical questions, and was challenged by the U.S. Department ...
From Scopes to Dover : Should the Courts Permit Public Schools to Teach Intelligent Design?
In late September 2005, Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District et al. went to trial in federal district court in Pennsylvania. Shortly before the trial, the Pew Forum held an event to discuss the current state of the law and panelists' predictions for a ruling.
Right to Die? Legal, Ethical and Public Policy Implications
Sponsored by The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, The Federalist Society, and The Constitution Project End of life decisions have been much in the news lately, with the Schiavo case and the late Pope's medical treatment dominating recent h...
Bioethics and Human Nature: Exploring Some Background Issues
Speaker: Gilbert Meilaender, Richard & Phyllis Duesenberg Professor of Christian Ethics, Valparaiso University; Member, President's Council on Bioethics Respondent: William Saletan, Chief Political Correspondent, Slate Moderator: Michael Croma...
The Pursuit of Perfection: A Conversation on the Ethics of Genetic Engineering
Featuring: Michael Sandel, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government, Harvard University; member, President's Council on Bioethics; author of "The Case Against Perfection," The Atlantic Monthly, April 2004 Responding: Lee M. Sil...
Teaching About Religion in Public Schools: Where do We Go From Here?
Teaching About Religion in Public Schools: Where do We Go From Here? 2003-05-20 Conference took place May 20-22, 2003 Freedom Forum Arlington, VA Discussions (click discussion title for transcript)   Note: All publications are provided in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. Key
Stem Cells & Clones: Theological Perspectives on Biomedical Research
Gilbert Meilaender is the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Professor of Christian Ethics at Valparaiso University. His work focuses upon theological and medical ethics. In 2001 he was appointed to the President's Council on Bioethics, which recently...
Moral Status of the Human Embryo
A discussion including: Ronald Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and Ethics, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Kevin FitzGerald, Dr. David Lauler Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics at the Center for Clinical Bioethics and Research...
Human Cloning: Religious Perspectives
Discussants: Robert Best, President, Culture of Life Foundation, Inc. Dr. Nigel Cameron, Dean, The Wilberforce Forum, and Chair, Advisory Board for the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity Abdulaziz Sachedina, Professor of Religious Studies, Uni...