- Who:
The St. Edward’s University Center for Ethics and Leadership
Lecture Series: Ethics at the Intersection of Science, Medicine,
and Technology
- What:
Lecture # 1, “Is Human Nature Natural? Reflections on Nature
as a Moral Appeal in Biotechnology Debates,” by guest speaker
Andrew Lustig, PhD, director, Biotechnology, Religion and Ethics
Program, Rice University.
- When:
Thursday, March 3, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Where:
Jones Auditorium, Robert & Pearle Ragsdale Center at St. Edward’s
University
Since
the days of Plato, at any major intersection of human ideas, you
will find the discussion of some sort of ethical stoplight to direct
the progress of traffic. The intersection of science, medicine and
technology is no different -- yet more complicated.
Yes,
biotechnology can be a natural extension of human creativity, but
should it also be subject to the equally natural constraints that
humans use to govern their activities as responsible moral agents?
There is no simple answer. Upon closer examination, appeals to nature
may illuminate or obscure ethical assessments in medicine and technology.
For
current information and analysis of this controversial subject,
try the upcoming lecture at St. Edward’s entitled, “Is
Human Nature Natural? Reflection on Nature as a Moral Appeal in
Biotechnology Debates,” given by guest speaker Andrew Lustig,
PhD, director of the Biotechnology, Religion and Ethics Program
at Rice University. Lustig is a recognized authority on the ethical
dilemmas raised by biotechnology. He is widely published in the
areas of human cloning, bioethics, transplantation and surrogate
parenting.
“We
expect Dr. Ludwig’s lecture will be more informative and reflective
than prescriptive,” said Phil Thomson, PhD, director of the
Center for Ethics and Leadership at St. Edward’s, which is
hosting the lecture series. “This topic should warrant the
interest of both ethics scholars and the biotechnology community.”
The
lecture and reception are free and open to the public. Preceding
the lecture, there will be a reception with light refreshments from
6:30-7 p.m. in the lobby of Jones Auditorium. Free valet parking
is provided. RSVP by Tuesday, March 1, to 464-8871 or cel@acad.stedwards.edu.
This lecture is underwritten and sponsored by St. David’s
HealthCare Partnership.
Founded
by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward’s University
has been named as one of America’s Best Colleges for 2005
by U.S. News & World Report and was selected by The
Princeton Review for inclusion in the guide Colleges with a
Conscience. St. Edward’s is a private, Catholic, liberal
arts university of approximately 4,650 students located in Austin,
Texas.
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