What's a Christian to do? Ethical Responses to Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology
Course Description:
This 5 session course explores ethical issues brought about by science and technology. It will examine the place of specific technologies in society, their role in enhancing and restricting human beings, attempts to own and control technology, and social and environmental risks and opportunities associated with each. Topics will include: ethics in gene therapy, social media and disinformation, the ethics of technologically enhancing human beings (transhumanism), the ethics of privacy in an age of increasing government and corporate surveillance, and obligations for development that address the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (that is, the ethics of sustainable development). A variety of ethical lenses (ex., virtue ethics, rights/duty based ethics, utilitarianism, capability ethics, and religious ethics) will be employed.
Class Schedule:
The class will be held on-line on Wednesdays via ZOOM at the following times and dates:
• Sept. 25, 7:00-9:00 pm: Social Media and Disinformation – Dr. Roger Petry
• Oct. 9, 7:00-9:00 pm: Transhumanism – Dr. Roger Petry
• Oct. 23, 7:00-9:00 pm: Surveillance and Privacy – Dr. Roger Petry
• Nov. 6, 7:00-9:00 pm: Sustainable Development – Dr. Roger Petry
• Jan. TBA : Ethics in Gene Therapy – Dr. Brett Salkeld*
*The January session on "Ethics in Gene Therapy" with Dr. Brett Salkeld will be offered both in person in Regina and by ZOOM. More details to come.
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