How do the following quotes of Mr. Jefferson relate to President Bush's recent decision on the federal funding of stem cell research?
The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government.
Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809
The only orthodox object of the institution of government is to secure the greatest degree of happiness possible to the general mass of those associated under it.
Thomas Jefferson to M. van der Kemp, 1812
The first object of human association (is) the full improvement of their condition.
From Thomas Jefferson's Declaration and Protest of Virginia, 1825
I am for encouraging the progress of science in all its branches, and not for raising a hue and cry against the sacred name of philosophy; for awing the human mind of raw-head and bloody bones to a distrust of its own vision, and to repose implicitly on that of others; to go backwards instead of forwards to look for improvement; to believe that government, religion, morality and every other science were in the highest perfection in the ages of the darkest ignorance, and that nothing can ever be decided more perfect than what was established by our forefathers.
Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 1799
Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
From Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, 1801
Questions for discussion:
- What would be Mr. Jefferson's reaction to the Bush national policy decision?
- What role should federal government play, if any, in regulating and supporting scientific research?
- What role, if any, does religion play in federally funded national policy and projects?
