Frankenstein; or, the modern Prometheus: a classic novel to stimulate the analysis of complex contemporary issues in biomedical sciences

Abstract

Background Advances in biomedicine can substantially change human life. However, progress is not always followed by ethical reflection on its consequences or scientists’ responsibility for their creations. The humanities can help health sciences students learn to critically analyse these issues; in particular, literature can aid discussions about ethical principles in biomedical research. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, the modern Prometheus (1818) is an example of a classic novel presenting complex scenarios that could be used to stimulate discussion. Main text Within the framework of the 200th anniversary of the novel, we searched PubMed to identify works that explore and discuss its value in teaching health sciences. Our search yielded 56 articles, but only two of these reported empirical findings. Our analysis of these articles identified three main approaches to using Frankenstein in teaching health sciences: discussing the relationship between literature and science, analysing ethical issues in biomedical research, and examining the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare and research. After a critical discussion of the articles, we propose using Frankenstein as a teaching tool to prompt students to critically analyse ethical aspects of scientific and technological progress, the need for compassion and empathy in medical research, and scientists’ responsibility for their discoveries. Conclusion Frankenstein can help students reflect on the personal and social limits of science, the connection between curiosity and scientific progress, and scientists’ responsibilities. Its potential usefulness in teaching derives from the interconnectedness of science, ethics, and compassion. Frankenstein can be a useful tool for analysing bioethical issues related to scientific and technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and cloning. Empirical studies measuring learning outcomes are necessary to confirm the usefulness of this approach.

Fictional Film in Engineering Ethics Education: With Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises as Exemplar

“…As such, films focusing on these themes can open the door to ethical considerations that may otherwise have seemed boring or pedantic. Indeed, within engineering ethics education there is an emerging discussion about the use of speculative science fiction for teaching engineering ethics specifically, with positive effects on learning such as enabling practice in deliberation, dialogue, and decision-making, student engagement, engaging diverse learning preferences, and accommodating diverse student backgrounds (Burgess, 2019 ; Cambra-Badii et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Summet & Bates, 2020 ). It is logical to assume that fictional films following in the heritage of speculative fiction, whether sci fi, fantasy, or even historical reimaginings or retellings, can do the same.…”