Science v. Religion: Which One Better Describes the Value Of A Human Life? (moral, moral)

[Sunstone]

Which is better at telling us what the value of a human life is: Science or religion?

[James the Persian]

I feel that religion is the better one, though I accept this is subjective. In fact the question is a little too broad brushed. Science has resulted in both great good and extreme evil, as has religion (though I would argue that in both cases it is the misapplication of science or religion that is really to blame). Whether the denigration of human value comes about through science, such as eugenics, or religion, as in the various historical persecutions, both are really perversions rather than natural consequences of accepting the particular view. I would just plump for religion over science because the latter is essentially amoral, whereas all religions appear to have morality as a major part of their teachings.

James

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Which is better at telling us what the value of a human life is: Science or religion?

That is very much like asking which one better describes the taste of Thursdays.

[Seyorni]

I don't think the valuation of human life is within the purview of science.

[PureX]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Which is better at telling us what the value of a human life is: Science or religion?

Neither.

Art is the category of human endeavor that best exemplifies and illuminates the value of human life, and human existence.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Which is better at telling us what the value of a human life is: Science or religion?

Which method works best would depend on what outcome is desired, and that depends on what context of "value" is being assessed, and what context of "human life" is being evaluated. For instance, it is certainly possible to put a dollar value on the time and effort we put into arranging a "life" for ourselves; it is possible to attach a spacial and mass value to a living human being; it is possible to assess a value (or even worth) of a person for the purpose of categorizing them; etc.

[Ryan2065]

Science betters human life while religion and philosophy "describe" the value of human life.

[ayani]

religion, IMO. religion tells me about what is valuable, precious, and esteemed in the greater scheme of things.

science shows me up close how awesome and intricate these things are, and allows me to appreciate them more fully. science studies life and allows us to look into the tissue of life. science can show us how cool and complex life is, but we should not (imo) reject religious teachings regarding why life is not only cool, but precious and worth preserving.