The Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1938. Research Beyond Matter

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 49, 28 February 1938, Page 6

The Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1938. Research Beyond Matter

Ethics, heretofore a protege of religion, is becoming a concern of natural science. The American Association for the Advancement of Science in conclave on the question of “Science and Society" realises someone in authority needs to do something about a world in which technical progress has far outstripped the advance in human nature.

Research has pointed the way to greater abundance of things needed to clothe the masses, feed them and furnish them with better houses. But like the plumber who plugged up the leak and left a pool of rusty water on the kitchen floor, researchists find humanity disgruntled because as workmen they failed to clean up after them. Too many of them accepted the mechanistic view that human nature cannot be changed.

Dr. Edwin G. Conklin pointed out in his address as retiring president of the association that the only real solution to modern economic ills lies ill improving human nature, establishing rules of human conduct that have been talked about ever since the Christian Era began. Any attempt to bring natural science and religion together on merely doctrinal ground will continue to prove futile, but both can meet in perfect harmony on the question of establishing a code of ethics. Both accept the decadence of the old Mosaic law and subscribe heartily to the Golden Rule—a rule which is religiously and scientifically sound.