Should we, as a society, allow Science to go wherever its explorations take it, leaving it solely to the scientific community to chart its own course?

Paper #3 Prompt

1. Should we, as a society, allow Science to go wherever its explorations take it, leaving it solely to the scientific community to chart its own course? Explain your answer.

2. If we, as a society, conclude that Science may be prevented from going down a certain path, who makes that decision? For example:
Research Scientists?
Practicing Medical Personnel?
Educators?
Philosophers?
Lawyers?
Legislators?
Lay Persons?
Ethicists?
Other?

3. Create an Organization that reviews Scientific Applications, tasked with the responsibility of approving or disapproving the proposed scientific investigations. Using the numbering system below, answer the following:

1. Who are the Members of the Organization (by occupation)?
2. Is this an organization appointed by the Government? If not, by what or whom?
3. Are these decisions made by one individual or by a panel?
4. If by a panel, how many are on a panel and how is the panel composed?
5. What criteria do you suggest be used to grant or deny an application?
6. How might this Organization enforce its decisions?
7. Suggest three different scientific pathways that may be prevented by the above organization.
8. Should the Organization also have the power to instruct the Scientific Community to go down a certain pathway? Explain and if yes, give examples.