Designing Species

February 29, 2020
Brandeis University Philosophy Dept.

Mandel Center for the Humanities G-12
415 South St.,
Waltham 02453
United States

This will be an accessible event, including organized related activities

Speakers:

California State University, Channel Islands
University of Montana
Northeastern University

Organisers:

California State University, Channel Islands

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Humans have been modifying the characteristics of other species for thousands of years using techniques such as selective breeding. But recent technological advances have dramatically enhanced our power to design species. This conference will explore some of the ethical issues raised by the new possibilities that have been opened up to us. For example, is it acceptable for us to create transgenic organisms that blend genes from multiple distinct species? What sorts of considerations are even relevant to answering this question? Do species have a special kind of value that might be put in jeopardy by such interventions? If it is acceptable for us to design species, what constraints should be observed by practitioners? Should we attempt to modify threatened species in ways that might make them more resilient to pathogens or climate change? Would it be good for us to create new species, or resurrect species that have gone extinct? “Designing Species” will explore these and related questions that we must confront as we enter a new age of bioengineering.

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1 person is attending:

Université Laval (PhD)

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