Public discussions – in part, also those inspired by the traditional humanistic categories of analysis – nowadays tend to ignore or underestimate the function and the role that culture and scientific research play in the maturation and maintenance of modern democracy and of liberal values that shaped their origins and evolution. This has very well
This paper asks and suggests some answers to the question: why should, and how can, political protections be given to scientific freedom? To start to address this big question, I will pose and work through three smaller questions. Each of these forms a part of the ground that needs to be covered as we think
The scientific method is a fundamental tool for the life of the democratic method. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of processes that have a huge impact on anthropology itself, such as revolutions in the field of digital or genomic technologies. If one wants to prevent that the democratic method is overwhelmed by external
In modern societies, freedom of research and freedom of treatment are challenged and nevertheless crucial aspects. In my speech I will investigate this topic, and I will show the results of a study aimed at creating a world index of freedom of research and treatment. In developing this index, we started from the analysis of
Up to one in five couples experience infertility, as defined by lack of conception after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. Many causes of infertility cannot be successfully overcome with specific medical and surgical treatment – especially where the cause of infertility is unexplained. In prolonged unresolved infertility, the preferred option is to use in-vitro
Science has always had to struggle in all societies, with no distinction in space and time. The human beings’ natural tendency to irrationality and the poor scientific knowledge within wide sectors of the society have been predominant factors. Science still needs to be protected, perhaps even more than in the past. An improved scientific education
A great topic of the congress within the general aim of Science and Freedom: Bridging the gap between science and politics. It is one of the pre-conditions for future solutions to foster the dialogue between those two important elements of the human society. Both sides need to reshuffle their attitude by entering more serious, professional
DRAFT FINAL DECLARATION We, the undersigned, women and men of science, politicians, citizens met in Rome (Chamber of Deputies and Capitol hill) for the Third meeting of the World Congress for Freedom of Research. We welcome the continuation of the World Congress initiative, started with the Constituent Assembly meeting in October 2004 and continued through
This case is Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc and concerns the contraception requirement set by ObamaCare. Hobby Lobby Stores argued that the requirement that the employment-based group health care plan cover contraception violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). The question raised by the case: Does the Religious
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