THEO 7029 Biotechnologies, Health, and Theological Ethics

In dialogue with scientists, philosophers, and theological ethicists, the doctoral seminar examines current advances in developing scientific disciplines and studies their ethical challenges for health and society by relying on theological ethics. After reflecting on biotechnology in general, in its two parts the seminar focuses, first, on biotechnologies that directly affect human health by considering human genetics (genetic information, research, testing, screening, editing, therapy, pharmacogenomics, and enhancement), stem cell research, regenerative medicine, oncofertility, and neuroscience. Second, the seminar studies new biotechnologies that indirectly regard human health: synthetic biology, nanotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, posthumanism, and astrobiology.