Is there such a thing as inherently bad knowledge? Or is all knowledge value-neutral? These are the mind probing questions that I have posed to many seminar groups.The initial response typically is silence, as they mull over the options. They then begin to mentally test out extreme scenarios as a way to land in their own comfort zone. Most are very cautious in voicing an opinion, but eventually someone will say, “Well, I guess all knowledge must be value neutral.”

This question becomes important as scientists begin to probe into what has formerly been considered “forbidden ground”. Some say that there are some areas of science that should be off limits – we could destroy the whole human race if we screw up. It’s just too dangerous!

Again I ask the questions. Is there such a thing as inherently bad knowledge? Or is all knowledge value-neutral? We all know how to walk into a Wal-Mart store and steal merchandise. But does that make it inherently bad knowledge? We all know how to pick up a gun, aim it at someone, and pull the trigger. Again, bad knowledge? If researchers figure out how to build a new bomb that is capable of blowing the earth in half, is that inherently bad knowledge? Or maybe they figure out how to make HIV super contagious. To all of these questions, I think we’d have to agree that the knowledge itself is not inherently bad.

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