|
Why Engage with Technology?
Technology is changing the face of society.
Whether it's GM food, embryonic stem cells, cloning, climate change, sustainable development or the mysterious possibilities of nanotechnology, we're all aware of the challenges which current developments are bringing. But where do you go for reliable information, with scare stories from activists, unsatisfactory assurances from Government or industry, and hype from some parts of the media? Amid the half truths, exaggerations and agendas, is there anyone you can trust?
The Society, Religion and Technology Project (SRT for short) is a unique unit of the
Church of Scotland set up in 1970 to examine some of the vital issues of our times. We aim to bring professional expertise to providing informed and penetrating comment for technologists, educators, media, the Church, the public - in fact anyone with an interest in how technology is affecting our lives, and the issues it raises. We have a reputation for the quality and fairness of our work, independent of vested interests and pressure groups. The SRT Project was Awarded the 1999 UK Templeton Prize for a UK institution, in recognition of its pioneering work at the interface of ethics and technology. Technology has brought many great benefits to society, which we often take for granted, but it can also pose big ethical dilemmas - not just unexpected risks and side-effects, but unintended social consequences and even changes in our moral outlook.
So what are the Big Issues? SRT remains much involved with the cloning controversy and the issues emerging as embryo and adult stem cell research develops. We are also engaged with a range of scientific initiatives in the tiny world of nanotechnology. Its dreams may be often exaggerated but some ethical questions deserve attention already. Our work on GM has shifted to longer term and global issues. Climate change and the failure to install renewable energy fast enough throw up imminent energy policy challenges. Questions of risk underlie many technologies. Are we always right to be precautionary, and how far? While the UK Governments are struggling this year to find strategies on sustainable development in which we all play our part, the Eco-Congregation Programme is showing how the churches can play a role within civil society to promote care for God's creation at grassroots level. We aim to provide some guidance round the maze of questions.
Back to Contents
|
We invite you to explore
What's Recent? For latest additions to the site.
What is the SRT Project? Find out about the Project's origins, purpose, and work. Read our paper A Unique Experiment
Who are we? More about SRT's Director Donald Bruce and Assistant Director Eleanor Todd.
Big Issues Examine some of the many issues we cover on our site, and make up your own mind. For example, try:
Cloning and Stem Cells
SRT has extensive pages on stem cells and cloning plus updates on latest developments of this fast moving field.
GM Crops, Food and Animals
Explore our many articles on GM issues since 1993, and our acclaimed book Engineering Genesis
Climate Change and Energy Issues
See our latest work on SRT's longest running issue - perhaps the biggest challenges facing us in the 21st Century.
Nanotechnologies
SRT has new work in progress with the EC on the ethical issues of science at the very scale, including human enhancement.
Or why we think Science and Faith are compatible ..
risk ..
human genetics ..
patenting ..
environment ..
& much more ...
Eco-Congregation Programme Join the growing nation-wide scheme which is helping and enabling the churches to show practical care for God's creation.
SRT Publications After information? We have lots, including
SRT Information Sheets
On-line A4 Information Sheets presenting ethical and social aspects in key technologies in simple terms for the non-expert.
SRT Topical Papers
Longer reports on a wide variety of subjects
SRT General Assembly Reports
Each year SRT writes a report to the Church of Scotland General Assembly, including many topical issues.
SRT Bulletin
SRT has a free on-line newsletter, published 3 times a year.
Press Room
Check this page for our most recent Press and Media Information. We may be able to help you with the latest views and information.
SRT Associates scheme If you want to get involved, find out about the UK-wide Associates scheme.
Navigation Lost? See our contents and site map
Back to Contents
|
