TECHNOSCIENCE and BIOETHICS

The prowess of contemporary technosciences, in the fields of genetic engineering, information technology, reproduction, health, astrophysics, etc., is revolutionising our knowledge of mankind, nature and the future, and giving us new powers over the future of the human adventure in the universe. What, then, are the standards, principles and values that should govern, at least symbolically, these advances in technoscientific research and development (TSRD) on mankind and the environment? Based on the thinking of Gilbert HOTTOIS, this essay is a lucid and cautious analysis of the relationship between technoscience and bioethics as a support tool. It is a clear reminder of the need to preserve the freedom of technoscientific research and development, which must be underpinned by philosophical wisdom based on an ethics of limits and a pedagogy of humanity.