Human Enhancement - Threat or Promise

We live in a world where enhancement of abilities, appearance, and health is commonplace. We are familiar for example with the idea of enhancing our deteriorating eyesight with glasses and our immune systems with vaccinations; we might even consider orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of our teeth. A seminar hosted by The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion tomorrow, Tuesday 4 May will question whether these enhancements are welcome benefits or part of a worrying trend that medicalises, exploits and perhaps diminishes our concept of human nature. Professor Gareth Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago, will critique what enhancement currently offers at present, ranging from an extension of conventional therapy through sports enhancement to the transhumanist 'postbiological' extremes which support the use of science and technology to improve human mental and physical characteristics and capacities. He will consider the ethical, social and theological implications of these and how they relate to the goals of medical care and the nature of human aspirations. As well as holding the position of Vice-Chancellor, Gareth Jones has been Professor of Anatomy and Structural Biology since 1983. He holds the degrees of DSc and MD, for his publications in neuroscience and bioethics respectively and is Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Government Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology.