SEMINAR -
Creating Genome-edited Humans for Outer Space Travel: An Apocalyptic Scenario and an Ethical Idea of Classical Confucianism on Humanity
Barbro Klein Fellow, SCAS.
Professor of Bioethics, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago
Hybrid event.
Zoom Webinar: https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/65802739142 External link.
ABSTRACT:
The revolutionary biotechnology of human genome editing can radically alter the genetic makeup of homo sapiens. To explore one of many fundamental moral questions involved, the presentation starts with a futuristic scenario, a thought experiment:
Imagine that, due to environmental damage, climate change, or a world nuclear and biological war, our Earth becomes utterly uninhabitable. The only way for our species to survive is to send people into outer space. Also, suppose that it is technologically feasible to reach a habitable planet outside our solar system. Furthermore, assume that more advanced genome-editing techniques can produce humans physiologically and cognitively far superior for interstellar travel.
In this apocalyptic situation, is it ethically permissible or even required to create a group of genetically enhanced superhumans? And if saving humanity is always necessary, as popular survival ethics promotes, then what is humanity? Engaging with classical Confucianism, particularly Mencius’ thought on humanity and moral sentiments, the presentation offers surprising answers to these two questions.
Event information
- Date:
- Time:
- to
- Location:
- The Thunberg Lecture Hall & Zoom Webinar