Stem Cells and You:
The Role of Citizens
What can citizens do to resolve some of the issues arising from the stem cell debate?
* Educate ourselves: Ignorance is a large problem. Most people are not educated in the science behind stem cell research, yet take a strong stance in arguing for or against it. This results in many people making arguments based on false assumptions and misconceptions. Educate yourselves! The more informed we are on controversial topics, no matter what the topic may be, the better. This will allow us to take a stronger stance, argue our position more effectively, or even open our eyes to new insights (giving us the possibility to reevaluate our own point of view).
*Open our minds: Many people refuse to even consider the opposing position. We close our minds from even attempting to understand why our opponents take the stances they do. How can we know our position is the right one, if we haven't even considered any others? A very important aspect of a debate, especially such a controversial one, is to be open-minded. We need to listen to other positions, consider them, challenge them, and then, and only then, decide their validity. We do not do our own viewpoints justice by simply ignoring to challenge them.
*Think for ourselves: All too often people fail to make up their own minds when it comes to controversial topics. Many times, especially with young people, we develop our opinions based on the opinions of those around us (i.e. parents, siblings, friends). It is pertinent that we look at the facts of the matter and develop our own opinions on them, regardless of what those around us believe.
*This site was created for a Monmouth College honors course*