A conflict of interest

An aim of this book is to show the way that biology is entangled in wider issues, such as politics or ethics. Some of my examples describe events occurring decades or centuries ago. Others are more contemporary: BSE for example, or the Human Genome Project. In these analyses, my emphasis is always on exploring the consequences of a simple fact: biology is a human activity. The controversies and the confusions that make biology so interesting do not result simply from technical inefficiencies. I have tried to repeat the point that the development of science is best understood as a consequence of the motivation and ambition of people and their institutions, as well as of their skills and their machines. Though I have emphasised the human side of science, and have mentioned by name many scientists, I have perhaps promoted the idea that individual scientists are somewhat passive, that they are reeds bending in various cultural, and professional winds. I now aim to explore the contrary idea: that scientists have a sense of responsibility, can stand up for what they believe, and need not follow the herd.