conference proceedings of congress International Bioethics 1999. Bioethics and dignity in a pluralistic society

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Closing ceremony

His Excellency Mr. President D. José María Bastero.
President Magnificent of the University of Navarra.

Distinguished Deans, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen:

I am particularly pleased to be able to close these International conference , whose degree scroll, Bioethics and dignity in a plural society, reveals the importance of the issues addressed. Initiatives of this kind serve as a forum for an open and respectful dialogue between the sciences in a university environment, since the University has, among its most cherished aims, that of offering a complete and integral vision of the person. This is how we understand it at the University of Navarra by encouraging the organisation of interdisciplinary meetings such as this one, in which researchers from areas as different as the family, law, Philosophy, biomedical sciences and theology have contributed their knowledge.

The multidisciplinarity as a form of university work does not obey a more or less passing fad, but is based on the conviction that approach multidisciplinary is the appropriate scientific response to the intrinsic complexity of issues such as those studied by Bioethics. Manipulation Genetics, euthanasia, artificial reproduction, or the conscientious objection of biomedical professionals, to name but a few of those under consideration these days, need the fruitful exchange of the methods and results of these sciences so that these different focuses of light can illuminate the reasons for our criteria in the multicultural environment that this end of the millennium has in store for us.

Society is increasingly aware of the importance of bioethical problems. For this reason, it demands from the University a profound research which, without scientific prejudices and without fear of the truth, contributes to clarifying situations which today appear to be confused. The action of certain scientific bodies which, by disregarding the transcendence of the human person, work outside any ethical approach, has contributed to creating a certain social alarm, as it leads to a totally dehumanised world. For this reason, a correct approach to bioethical issues is increasingly necessary as a firm basis on which to build a just and peaceful coexistence in our society.

On the other hand, the moral challenges posed by scientific discoveries make it urgently necessary to have a rigorous development Bioethics that is solidly based on human dignity. This dignity is under attack today from various quarters by the spread of utilitarian criteria, the tragic consequence of which is the manipulation and instrumentalisation of people, placed at the service of a supposed scientific advance which places itself above ethical norms and which scorns the treasure of human life, which is always, in itself, sacred and inviolable, whatever the physical, social, economic or cultural conditions of individuals.

Given the difficulty of these challenges, I can only encourage you to continue in your task of research. I do so in an optimistic spirit, convinced that the rigorous and persevering scientific work in the interdisciplinary area of bioethics is transcendental for the incomparable value of human life to be recognised and respected in our globalised world.

Before concluding these words, I would like to convey, on behalf of the University of Navarra, my congratulations and thanks to all the participants, and especially to the organising committee , which I encourage to continue this very interesting interdisciplinary initiative in the near future.

Thank you very much.

These International Bioethics workshop are now closed.