Human Nature
Provocative exploration of the far-reaching implications of CRISPR, the biggest technological revolution of this century.
CRISPR is a discovery that opened avenues to not only repair breaks in the DNA code, but also potentially eliminate genetic defects from future generations. It has given human kind an unprecedented control over the basic building blocks of life: diseases can be cured, the biosphere can be reshaped and the doors are opened to designing our own children.
However, CRISPR comes with its own share of difficult societal and moral questions. How will this new power change our relationship with nature? What will it mean for human evolution? These questions bring to mind the famous quote by Jurassic Park’s Dr. Ian Malcolm, who said that the scientists practicing genetic manipulation “were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
Prof. Guido de Wert is professor of Ethics of Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University. After the screening he will discuss the ethical dilemmas that come with CRISPR (language: English).
Program:
19.30hrs Mini-lecture by Prof. dr. de Wert
19.45hrs Start film
21.30hrs Q&A
21.45hrs End