Wolność nauki i kultury

Abstrakt

The author analyses the problem of freedom of science and art that are integral elements of intellectual culture. Although the Church has always been an inspirer and patron of culture, there have been controversies between this institution and scientists (the cases of Galileo and Copernicus, the Darwinian theory of evolution). Liberalism rightly propagates the idea of freedom of culture but it minimises the role of truth that is the leading value in culture. Totalitarian systems (Hitlerism, Communism) questioned the value of culture and practically destroyed it. Documents of the Vatican Council II and Pope John Paul II's teaching allow formulation of three fundamental paradigms of personalism: 1. Science and culture require freedom in social life (which is confirmed by the pluralism of branches of science and culture currents). 2. Development of authentic culture requires moral righteousness and responsibility from the scientist and one who creates culture. 3. The good of a human person (of his biological and spiritual life) and the society's common good (protection of its integrity and ethos) sometimes require limitation of research freedom that should be regulated by the law (e.g. in genetic engineering).