Day 300: Science, Bodily Integrity, and the Dead

It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology, by their very nature, require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God. CCC 2294

In today's reading, the Catechism discusses scientific research, bodily integrity, and the proper treatment of the dead. Research is permissible, but not at the expense of human dignity or moral law (CCC 2293-95). Kidnapping, hostage-taking, torture, mutilations, sterilizations, and terrorism are condemned as violations of moral law (CCC 2297). Finally, those who are "dying should be given attention and care," while the dead "must be treated with respect and charity" (CCC 2299-301).

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

Science is valuable, but it has boundaries and must be used within guidelines... Truth cannot contradict truth. But by itself, science cannot answer the question "why?" ... We should always be guided by what is good for and respectful of the dignity of the human person. Mere efficacy, or "getting the job done," is not a valid metric for judging technological advances. (p. 116)