In this segment Dean identifies three types of taboos in science: “transitory,” “stubborn,” and “double-secret super taboos.” The transitory taboos include stem cell research from human embryos, human cloning and human waste disposal research (or the “poo taboo”). Another taboo is that it is virtually impossible to question the causal relationship between HIV and AIDS. The reason he calls these transitory taboos is because these are controversies that won’t last forever. At one time invetro fertilization, organ transplants and vaccinations were considered extremely controversial. Earlier, the use of limes to prevent scurvy and the practice of washing hands before assisting in child birth were considered laughable by some and were ridiculed by most, thus making them taboo at the time.
Dean Radin, Ph.D. is IONS’ Senior Scientist. Dr. Radin earned a Masters degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He has held research appointments at Princeton University, Edinburgh University, University of Nevada, and several Silicon Valley industrial research labs, where he has conducted basic research on exceptional human capacities, including psychic phenomena.
This discussion is part of the “Conversations from the Edge” 2006 series videodtaped before a live audience in San Francisco.
Published on September 15, 2009
