Views of Nature, Religion, and the Cultural Authority of Science

Abstract

Abstract The public’s views of organoids and neuro-chimeras are not only structured by foundational cultural distinctions such as that between humans and animals. Different groups in society have distinct views of biotechnology in general. This chapter first examines the views of groups defined by their orientation toward the natural world and finds that those who see the natural world as existing independently of human uses are most opposed to these technologies. Groups who believe most strongly in the cultural authority of scientists are much more supportive of these technologies. Investigation of religious groups shows that religion is not as impactful as had been expected.