Bioethics and Human Modification

Catalog description

How would you like to live 300 years? This and more are possibilities in the near future, according to some scientists. And the future holds even more radical prospects. This course will survey the explosion of interest in enhancing humans with all types of emerging technology, including biotechnology (for example, prosthetic enhancements like robotic exoskeletons, embedded brain­chips to enhance memory, and artificial eyes); genetics, (alteration of the genome to select for better intelligence, longevity, etc.), advanced medicine (like modified microbes), and digital technology ( enhancements like implantable WiFi networks and wearable technology). This course studies such inventions in light of the ethical issues that they raise: who gets them? Who pays? Who controls them? What social changes might they cause, good or bad? Should they even be used, and if so when? The course presents both the supporting and opposing arguments for human enhancement, and literature that illustrates the enhancements and the arguments for and against them. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161) Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3