Programme details

A high-level conference on scientists', politicians', artists' and scholars' viewpoint of biology and humanity ook place on 22 and 23 March 2004 in Genoa, European Capital of Culture for 2004.
The objective of the event was to stimulate a broad discussion on life sciences and the place they have in society today. The European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin insisted on bringing in the most diversified panel of participants possible.

Faith in Progress?

The discussion sessions began with the theme of faith in progress. Since the Enlightenment, Western scientists have tended to develop a positive, optimistic approach to progress in human society. Recently, sceptical scientists have doubted certain uses of science and have warned against the risk of misuse of science and the technology associated with life sciences.

Reductionism

Reductionism was another theme that arose. This is a process used too often in scientific research to explain complex phenomena in terms of more simple concepts. Reductionism is a philosophy which claims that it is possible to understand the complexities of the world, society, the brain, a living organism, in terms of the cells, the molecules and the atoms of which it is composed.
But from the standpoint of social sciences particularly, the systematic use of reductionism often gives biologists too narrow a viewpoint.
Different appraoches often brings natural science in conflict with social science.

Science in Relation to Society

Another theme that arose was the relationship between science and the society, because sciences never progress in a political vacuum.
Some people interpret modern sciences as today's incarnation of old ideologies used for authoritarian purposes. Scientists have never stopped claiming that freedom of value judgments is independent of science. However, people would like to see democracy playing a more important role in Western experimental sciences.

Science in Relation to Sience Fiction

The last discussion at the conference dealt with the relationship between science fiction and its effect on living sciences. Science fiction authors have always been strongly influenced by popular images of biology. More recently, biology has become an almost inexhaustible source of inspiration for filmmakers. So does one really influence the other?

Relationship between Science and Art

To go further into these contradictory reflections, the main principle of this event was to put scientists in contact with personalities from artistic, philosophical and religious circles. These complementary worlds, that respect and admire each other, often have difficulty communicating.

Which Artist would the Scientist like to Meet?

Consequently, the scientist inspires the artist and vice-versa, but, if the scientist could choose to meet any artist, who would it be?

Conclusion

The conference closed on a consensus : everyone hopes that other encounters like this one will be organized again in the near future.