In this blog post, we will examine the ethical and scientific issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research and use, and consider whether they should be permitted.   Recently, research teams in South Korea and abroad have been actively conducting clinical trials targeting various intractable diseases using stem cell-based therapies, including embryonic stem cells, and meaningful treatment...

In this blog post, I’ll examine morality as an “ultimate promise” and use examples and logic to explore how the division of roles and building rapport (the carrot and the stick) reduce free-riding—and when these approaches reach their limits.   Every time the first snow falls, I always say, “Ah, so much has happened this year, and it’s finally coming to an end.” A significant portion of the...

In this blog post, I’d like to examine the controversy surrounding the science high school curriculum and early graduation system based on my personal experience, and consider together whether the criticism of the early graduation system is valid.   I recently came across an article stating that a recent audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection pointed out several problems in the operation...

In this blog post, we’ll examine the background and rationale behind the predictions that “Diablo III” would be a massive success in the South Korean gaming market ahead of its release.   The release date for “Diablo 3”—which countless people had been waiting for over a decade—was finally set for May 15, 2012, after being postponed several times. At the time, jokes were so common that people...

In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at the causes and effects of global warming, the international community’s response, and various perspectives on the issue, incorporating the latest information.   What is global warming? The Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere formed by gravity. One of the atmosphere’s primary roles is to partially prevent thermal energy from the Sun from...

In this blog post, we will examine why society’s involvement is necessary for the advancement of science and what kind of relationship should exist between science and society.   The Advancement of Science and Society’s Responsibility Science has evolved rapidly from the ancient Greek philosophers’ exploration of nature to the present day. The pace of this scientific progress has accelerated...

In this blog post, based on Thomas Kuhn’s theory of paradigms, we will examine the process of scientific development, the evolution of paradigms, and what the future holds for paradigms in science.   How did Thomas Kuhn explain the development of science? In the past, historians of science believed that science developed through the simple accumulation of individual scientists’ discoveries...

In this blog post, we will examine the various human rights issues brought about by advances in science and technology, as well as the legal and social challenges involved in resolving them.   Advances in Science and Technology and the Expansion of Human Rights Science and technology have, before we knew it, taken center stage in our lives. In particular, it is no exaggeration to say that...

In this blog post, I’ll explore—based on my own experiences—how science and technology influence our lives, ways of thinking, and behaviors, and how they are changing us.   The Lives of Modern People Shaped by Science and Technology We all live in modern society. I won’t attempt to define modern society here. Since we are already living within it, we have a vague—or perhaps clear—sense of...

In this blog post, we will examine the various problems brought about by advances in science and technology and explore the social and ethical approaches needed to address them.   Since the Industrial Revolution began in the mid-18th century and science and technology have advanced, human life has changed at the fastest pace since the dawn of civilization. In particular, the 20th century...