Philosophy Now Forum

Lots of medical goodies implied. But does this also imply problems?:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/scien ... 21596.html

PhilX

There is always massive pressure on people who rely on government funding to announce their studies as "Breakthroughs". In this way they lay the PR ground to achieve more funding and perpetuate their careers, funded by people who do not really understand the limitations.

Is this a Pandora's box?

I certainly hope so.

There's been far too many articles of this nature to easily dismiss because it's suspected the scientists are motivated by funding. And how would you know which projects are getting legitimate government funding?

PhilX

bobevenson wrote:Pandora's box, thumbs up or thumbs down, or don't you kiss and tell?

Please, elucidate.

PhilX

Who really gives a crap with all these "breakthroughs"? It wouldn't apply to most even if perfected - who knows when - not being multi-millionaires or billionaires. It's only these that will get the service no matter how or by what questionable means they got rich. Both now and then you aren't worth more than the bottom line on your bank statement and any entitlement to advanced therapy will be measured accordingly.

Dubious wrote:Who really gives a crap with all these "breakthroughs"? It wouldn't apply to most even if perfected - who knows when - not being multi-millionaires or billionaires. It's only these that will get the service no matter how or by what questionable means they got rich. Both now and then you aren't worth more than the bottom line on your bank statement and any entitlement to advanced therapy will be measured accordingly.

How about all the breakthroughs that many are benefitting from already such as light bulbs or cars e.g.? How does one decide who benefits and who doesn't (a marketing question)?

PhilX

Philosophy Explorer wrote:

bobevenson wrote:Pandora's box, thumbs up or thumbs down, or don't you kiss and tell?

Please, elucidate.

Does this help? Bob the Baptist to the rescue!

Slang definitions & phrases for box:
noun
1.A coffin (1600s+)
2.A safe; vault; bank vault (1900s+ Underworld)
3.The vulva; vagina: Her box ain't no rose blossom (1600s+)
-dictionary.com

bobevenson wrote:

Philosophy Explorer wrote:

bobevenson wrote:Pandora's box, thumbs up or thumbs down, or don't you kiss and tell?

Please, elucidate.

Does this help? Bob the Baptist to the rescue!

Slang definitions & phrases for box:
noun
1.A coffin (1600s+)
2.A safe; vault; bank vault (1900s+ Underworld)
3.The vulva; vagina: Her box ain't no rose blossom (1600s+)
-dictionary.com

Does this help - have you ever heard of Pandora's Box from Greek mythology?

PhilX

bobevenson wrote:Let's see, I think we've established that you don't have a sense of humor, right?

Wrong. You have a failure to communicate.

PhilX

bobevenson wrote:I believe you need to be a little faster on the uptake.

I believe you're covering up another one of your ineptitudes.

PhilX

Philosophy Explorer wrote:

Dubious wrote:Who really gives a crap with all these "breakthroughs"? It wouldn't apply to most even if perfected - who knows when - not being multi-millionaires or billionaires. It's only these that will get the service no matter how or by what questionable means they got rich. Both now and then you aren't worth more than the bottom line on your bank statement and any entitlement to advanced therapy will be measured accordingly.

How about all the breakthroughs that many are benefitting from already such as light bulbs or cars e.g.? How does one decide who benefits and who doesn't (a marketing question)?

PhilX

The usual purchase of hi-tech objects created on an assembly line which are marketed to benefit corporations and their shareholders are in an entirely different class than the kind of breakthroughs mentioned which require the vast expertise of extremely specialized individuals to service those who need it or, for example, as an optional enhancement limiting the consequences of aging. In any event, the money you spend for an upper class new car, won't even qualify as down payment for that kind of 'individual' attention. These advanced gene technicians aren't "asking or advertising for your business; it's you who's asking or begging for their "services" which you may have access to IF you can afford it. The future availability of these services mean nothing to those who can't being the vast majority.