Environmental Ethics

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 90

and divide rapidly. In near future convergence of nanotechonology and biotechnology will create molecular machines capable of replicating themselves. (Scientists Jack Szostak of Harward Medical School and Iyall Watson). The cognitive power through sensory perceptions, attributed to soul is just the function of brain and its neurons assisted by chemicals and enzymes. There are hundred thousand molecules in a single cell carrying out their respective functions with precision. The human leucocyte antigen recognises intruder and tells the immune system to destroy it. There are metallic, chemical and electronic sensors far more sensitive and efficient than cognition power of even human brain. Specific restrictive enzymes are used to recognise specific genes and to separate such genes for transferring to other organisms. There are many such examples.
There is no need to conjecture something like soul. The concept of soul and rebirth might have been articulated in many religious beliefs in order to impress upon the followers their code of conduct by instilling fear of bad deeds and punishment in next life. The concept of heaven and hell is also based on the same premise. The concept of soul and its continuousness after death also gives psychological relief from fear of death which otherwise is most agonising. Whatever be the truth about soul whether it is or not, should not deflect a rationalist from its duties towards society and environment. Even if there is no life after death, the present life will be happy for all if people are rational. The present generation has inherited environment from previous ones and suffer from follies of past. Rationally we should not repeat follies and ensure happy life and good environment for our future progenies as we wished from our ancestors not only on ethical ground but on the basis of inherent instinct for welfare of offspring in all living beings. In order to establish 'soul' as an entity and not merely a phenomenon of mind or belief it is necessary to proceed on scientific lines rather than existing metaphysical concepts and collect facts,
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