Conference on the Science and
Ethics of Human Enhancement
October 16th at C.W. Post
The coming millennium will bring significant changes in the capacity
of biotechnology to enhance humans. Whether through genetic manipulation,
psychopharmacological agents or implantable brain chips, the kinds of persons
we are and the abilities that we possess will be fundamentally altered.
Will the distinction between treatment and enhancement hold? How will our
notions of normality and identity be impacted? Will there be problems of
access and fairness? Will our autonomy be threatened?
Prominent scientists and ethicists will discuss these issues at the
conference; "Transforming Humanity: The Science & Ethics of Enhancement,"
on Saturday, October 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., Gold Coast Room, C.W. Post Campus
of Long Island University, Northern Boulevard (Route 25A), Brookville,
NY.
Speakers and topics include:
- "Personal Computing and Communication: from Wearables to Implants"
-- Gerald Q. Maguire, Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Teleinformatics, Royal
Institute of Technology, Sweden
- "Ethical and Social Issues: Time for Debate on Implantable
Brain Chip" -- Ellen M. McGee, Ph.D., Director, The Long Island
Center for Ethics, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
- "Psychopharmacology and Personal Identity" -- Christian
Perring, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Philosophy & Religious Studies,
Dowling College
- "Ethical Implications of Genetic Enhancements" --
Erik Parens, Ph.D., Associate for Philosophical Studies, The Hastings Center,
Harrison, NY
- Moderator: Michael Shodell, Ph.D., Chairman and Professor, C.W.
Post Department of Biology
According to Dr. Ellen McGee, who is organizing the conference, the
panel will review the latest scientific information about genetic manipulation
and discuss developing technologies that will make implantable brain chips
possible. They will also explore the ethical issues surrounding developments
in genetics, psychopharmacoloy and implantable brain chips.
The conference would be of interest to nurses, social workers, clinicians,
ethicists, genetic counselors, and the public.
The conference is being held in conjunction with "Turning 2000:
A Millennial Weekend at C.W. Post" on October 15, 16 and 17, 1999.
The weekend features discussions, lectures, exhibits, and performances,
each focused on a millennial theme.
The "Transforming Humanity" conference is included in the
cost of attending the Turning 2000 events. For a complete listing of Turning
2000 events, call (516) 299-2700 or visit the web site at www.liu.edu/turn2000.
Turning 2000 fees are Three-Day Full Weekend Pass: $75 ($100 after 9/6);
Two-Day Pass: $60 ($80 after 9/6); One-Day Pass: $30 ($40 after 9/6).
Those wishing to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for "Transforming
Humanity: The Science & Ethics of Enhancement" on October 16 must
add $15 per person. Application has been made to The New York State Nurses
Association and to the New York State Chapter of the National Association
of Social Workers for Continuing Education credits.
"Turning 2000" will also feature the seminar, "Health
Issues in the New Millennium," on Saturday, October 16, 1999 from
9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Gold Coast Room. Prominent doctors Marc L. Cintron,
Maurice Cohen, Anthony J. Tortolani and Alex Keller will discuss everything
from cancer research to heart disease to the overall well-being of individuals.
Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick will review the need for new medical legislation.
Carl S. Young, president of the New York Association of Homes and Services
for the Aging, will be the moderator.
For more information call (516) 299-2700 or email to turn2000@cwpost.liu.edu.
For more information call the C.W. Post Public
Relations Office at (516) 299-2333 or e-mail pr@cwpost.liu.edu
or send mail to: Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern
Blvd., Brookville, New York 11548-1300.
