The creation of chimeras using human genes (0)
2/26/10 •
“Geoffrey Bourne, former director of the Emory University primate center, once stated that ‘it would be very important scientifically to try to produce an ape-human cross.’ Other researchers have suggested using women as ‘hosts’ for the embryos of chimpanzees or gorillas” (See Francis Fukuyama, Our Posthuman Future, Consequences of the Biotechnology Revolution, 207. )
Recent Posts
The Third Adam and Bionic Skin (0)
1/11/10 •
Here are some interesting quotes from a book, a scholarly article, and a popular magazine I came across while attending the Society of Christian Ethics conference in San Jose, followed by a personal reflection:
1. Brent Waters, This Mortal Flesh, Incarnation and Bioethics, 2009.
“At the age of twenty he [Matt Nagle] was stabbed during a brawl, [...]
The Ethics of Cognitive Enhancing Drugs, Twittering at the SCE conference (0)
1/09/10 •
“More and more students take prescription stimulants and narcolepsy medicines as study aids, using “cosmetic pharmacology” to enhance cognitive function. This “off label” use of prescription drugs by adolescents for neurocognitive enhancement raises several ethical concerns, including safety, efficacy, access (fairness) and coercion. Some believe the personal and social benefits of “smart drugs” justify allowing [...]
Beyond Therapy: Exploring Enhancement and Human Futures (0)
12/28/09 •
Call for Papers—Beyond Therapy: Exploring Enhancement and Human Futures
Original article here.
The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity’s
17th Annual Summer Conference
July 15-17, 2010
Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL
A decade into the biotech century, scientific discoveries and technological innovations are transforming the identity and nature of biomedicine and revolutionizing the promise of biotechnology. Beyond Therapy: Exploring Enhancement and Human Futures [...]
Working Bibliography: Christian Ethics, Enhancement and Neuroethics (0)
12/17/09 •
I have prepared a working bibliography of “Christian Ethics” and “Human Enhancement” books that I will use to approach the discussion of cognitive enhancement in neuroethics from a Christian perspective. I have actually two bibliographies. The first one (below) is a shorter one, which consist of the books I will be reading in the [...]
Neuroscience Boot Camp (0)
12/05/09 •
In order to keep up with new medical technologies in neuroscience, I would like to attend this 11 days “Boot Camp” on neuroscience.
“Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Neuroscience Boot Camp at the University of Pennsylvania. We are excited about the second annual boot camp, keeping what worked so well this past summer [...]
To enhancement, and beyond? (2)
11/27/09 •
By Jennie McLaurin | ChristianWeek Columnist | Article republished with authorization from ChristianWeek.
Jake is a paralyzed soldier who yearns for restored physical abilities. Paradoxically, he eventually obtains strength and agility far exceeding his previous capacities. The catch is that he has to give up his body in order to live as he wishes.
This is [...]
The Church, Eugenics and Enhancement: a Tragedy to Remember (0)
11/14/09 •
Abstract
This essay looks at the involvement of Protestants in America during the eugenics period. Two expressions of American Protestantism will be explored: the liberals and the evangelicals. Those two frameworks have produced two responses to eugenics. First, liberals were highly involved and poorly critical of the eugenic movement, because of their desire to accommodate modern [...]
Technology and Human Nature (1)
11/05/09 •
In Who is Man, Abraham J. Heschel introduces the framework of the following essay in an insightful way. He writes:
We ask: What is man? Yet the true question should be: Who is man? As a thing man is explicable; as a person he is both a mystery and a surprise. As a thing he is [...]
Did Plato foresee the ethical challenges of enhancement? (5)
11/02/09 •
In To Relieve the Human Condition, Gerald McKenny starts his book with the following sentences:
In Book III of the Republic, while discussing the training for the guardians of his ideal city, Plato addresses the role of medicine in their formation. His underlying question is how the pursuit of health can be so managed that [...]
Karl Rahner and our abilities to alter ourselves (0)
10/31/09 •
In “The Experiment with Man,”[1] Karl Rahner (1904-1984), one of the most important Catholic theologians of the 20th century, explores the question of “man’s self-manipulation.” Considering his essay was written in the mid-sixties, I think his reflections are brilliant, surprising and could inform today’s debate on enhancement. Rahner explains how Christians should face new possibilities of [...]
What has Transhumanism to do with Christianity? (4)
10/24/09 •
Here are two interesting “tweets of the week” by Damjan Cvetkov-Dimi:
1. @Botox4TheBrain I know christians have a primary agenda to infiltrate and subvert anything and anyone new, but Transhumanism is not the place7:06 AM Oct 21st from web in reply to Botox4TheBrain
2. Christians, step away from my Transhumanism. Face it, there are some contradictions you can’t ignore.7:02 [...]
Older Posts
- The Cyborg as Our God
- Buddhism and Neuroethics
- “Toward a More Fruitful Debate About Enhancement,” Review
- Scientists and Theologians are Playing God
- Apes, Cyborgs, Superman & Jesus
- Avatar, Incarnation & Mind Uploading
- The age of enhancement
- Human Enhancement: What should be permitted?
- Heroes, Human Enhancements and Evil
- The Neuro Revolution is in Progress
- Neuroethics Conference
- Normality? What would Saint Paul say?
- Will Bruce Willis save us from neuroethical headaches?
- A little bit of History
- Reflections on the 2009 Reith Lectures
- Get ready!
- Jacob, the first genetic engineer
- Botox 4 your brain, your hair and your face
Featured Categories
Christian Thought»
1/11/10 •
The Third Adam and Bionic Skin1/09/10 •
The Ethics of Cognitive Enhancing Drugs, Twittering at the SCE conference12/28/09 •
Beyond Therapy: Exploring Enhancement and Human Futures12/17/09 •
Working Bibliography: Christian Ethics, Enhancement and Neuroethics11/27/09 •
To enhancement, and beyond?11/14/09 •
The Church, Eugenics and Enhancement: a Tragedy to Remember11/05/09 •
Technology and Human Nature10/31/09 •
Karl Rahner and our abilities to alter ourselves10/24/09 •
What has Transhumanism to do with Christianity?10/10/09 •
The Cyborg as Our God9/19/09 •
Scientists and Theologians are Playing God9/18/09 •
Apes, Cyborgs, Superman & Jesus7/23/09 •
Heroes, Human Enhancements and Evil7/11/09 •
Normality? What would Saint Paul say?7/09/09 •
Will Bruce Willis save us from neuroethical headaches?7/07/09 •
Reflections on the 2009 Reith Lectures7/04/09 •
Get ready!7/02/09 •
Jacob, the first genetic engineer7/01/09 •
Botox 4 your brain, your hair and your face7/01/09 •
The Call
