Ethics of creation: frankenstein assignment

Author Mary Shelley strongly criticizes the naivety and actions of Victor, and he Is punished throughout the novel with the losses of his family members–notably the deaths of his family members, essentially being tortured until he reached his deathbed: “ A fiend had snatched me every hope of future happiness: no creature had ever been so miserable as I was; so frightful an event is single in the history of man” (201). In addition to his naivety, Victor takes no responsibility for his creation or actions.

Seeing these undesirable traits in a creator, Shelley enforces her argument by immediately punishing Victor with the death of his beloved brother William. Despite Justice’s persecution for the murder of William, Frankincense still decides not to take responsibility from fear of being regarded as a madman. He is afraid that his Tory will make him look Insane, and this keeps him from doing anything about the situation. “ l remembered also the nervous fever with which I had been seized Just at the time that I dated my creation, and which would give an alarm of delirium to a tale otherwise so utterly Improbable.

Shelley does not condemn the great discoveries we make in science, but she does take into consideration the ethical and moral concerns included with the new discoveries. Through her arguments in the novel, the reader is able to see why there are dangers that come with science and irresponsibility. After the arguments have been recognized, the reader is able to see that a balance needs to be established between these two elements and the scientist. A scientist needs to e inspired and driven by his ideas, but shouldn’t let his inspiration get in the way of his logic.

In addition, it is neither ethical nor moral for a scientist to “ cover up” or ignore his mistakes; there needs to be some element of responsibility. Lastly, a good balance between science and power is shown by a scientist who can empathic with his creation, and society as a whole.