Preparing for Humanity 2.0

1. Background
2. Speaker Profiles
3. Recommended Resources
4. Audio Links

Background

BioCentre is pleased to announce details about its 2011–12 thought leader teleconference series.

Developments in emerging technologies and their corresponding convergence are leading to very great increases in our power over matter, including human nature itself. As we speed up the exponential curve of Moore’s Law, the challenges that these advances in technology help us to focus on one key perennial question: what does it mean to be human?  

At the heart of every human culture lies a core set of assumptions about human nature.  These assumptions are typically unstated, self–evident to members of the group and therefore almost invisible in their common life.  Yet they become more evident as we become aware that they are in dispute; that the culture is unsure of its assumptions; that it is in the process of changing them.  As advances in nanoscience, artificial intelligence and biotechnology continue the future of humanity is thrown into question. How should we treat human beings both now and in the future? Does the future hold some form of new, even post–human?  

This series will invite key thought leaders and commentators to share their ideas, opinions and comments on the future of humanity and give opportunity for other callers to ask questions and discuss the issues raised.  In seeking to “host the conversation” BioCentre aims to gather together all articulate voices in order to have a productive conversation which spans the disciplines.

Telecons are open to all and accessible worldwide.



Preparing for Humanity 2.0 – with Prof Steve Fuller

Tuesday 6th December 2011, 3pm (UK time)

Speaking on the main ideas which have helped to shape his recent book, Humanity 2.0: What it Means to be Human Past, Present and Future Steve argues we need to start taking the profound questions that arise from post–humanism seriously if we are to ensure more than the few will benefit.

There will be an opportunity for call participants to ask questions and join the conversation.

To receive call–in details, email your name and affiliation to: info@bioethics.ac.uk

Speaker Profiles

Steve Fuller (born 1959, New York City) holds the Auguste Comte Chair in Social Epistemology in the Department of Sociology, University of Warwick. Originally trained in the history and philosophy of science (Ph.D., 1985, University of Pittsburgh), he is the founder of the research program of social epistemology.

He is particularly interested in the sociology of knowledge, history, philosophy and sociology of science, the nature the university and intellectual life, and normative issues relating to recent developments on the impact of science and technology on the political order, especially concerning our changing conceptions of the biological and what it means to be human.

Published this year, his latest book is entitled ‘Humanity 2.0: What it Means to be Human Past, Present and Future‘ (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011).

 

Resources

 

Audio

Audio recordings of this Symposium can be downloaded here