Savulescu and Harris debate enhancing morality
Two utilitarians slug it out over enhancing morality.
Julian Savulescu, of Oxford University, and John Harris, of Manchester University, square off in this debate at the Institute of Art and Ideas in the UK. The topic is whether technology should be used to enhance human morality. It turns out that they agree on most of the key ideas, especially that as evolved animals humans have the psychology of our hunter-gatherer ancestors – making us unfit for the complexities of modern life. This video gives a good insight into the approach of two of the most controversial figures in bioethics.
Michael Cook
Creative commons
enhancement
Julian Savulescu
utilitarianism
Latest posts by Michael Cook (see all)
- Queensland legalises ‘assisted dying’ - September 19, 2021
- Is abortion a global public health emergency? - April 11, 2021
- Dutch doctors cleared to euthanise dementia patients who have advance directives - November 22, 2020
More Stories
BioEdge has closed its doors
After 23 years, BioEdge ceased published in May 2024. Not that there isn't lots to report on and talk about,...
How liberal are American bioethicists?
There is growing acknowledgement of the fact that the backgrounds, ideas, and politics of American academics are out of step...
Doctors can be socialized to cooperate in morally despicable evil, says bioethicist
Bioethicist Carl Elliott seems to relish stirring up fellow bioethicists and the medical profession. In his latest book, The Occasional Human...
Owner of castration website in UK found guilty of grievous bodily harm
“Enhancement” normally connotes adding powers beyond normal human functioning. However, there are dark kinds of enhancement which remove them. A...
World Medical Association calls for a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza
The World Medical Association has called for a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution was initiated by the British Medical...
Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute shuts its doors
A powerhouse at Oxford generating controversial bioethical ideas has closed its doors. The Future of HumanityInstitute, headed by Swedish philosopher...