Podcast: Beyond Human?

Feb 6, 2018

Human genetic material is stored at a laboratory in Munich May 23, 2011. On May 25, 2011 the ethic commission of the German lower house of parliament (Bundestag) will discuss about alternative proposals for a new law on the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (Praeimplantationsdiagnostik) is a technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy, which is banned by German legislation. REUTERS/Michael Dalder (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH SOCIETY SCI TECH) - BM2E75N14P801

Are we entering a ‘post-human’ era?

Image: REUTERS/Michael Dalder

Anne Marie Engtoft Larsen

Knowledge Lead, Science and Technology Studies, World Economic Forum Geneva

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This is episode 6 in a 10-part podcast series that will introduce listeners to the thinkers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are already spotting the risks ahead, and seeking to guide humanity towards the land of ease and plenty that some believe is now within reach.

Episode 6 - Beyond Human?

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Episode 1 - What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Episode 2 - Artificial Intelligence and you

Episode 3 - A Revolution for the Environment?

Episode 4 - Education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Episode 5 - Regulation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

New episodes will be published every Tuesday from January 23, 2018 through March 6 on iTunes, Spotify and SoundCloud.

With advances in genetic engineering, neuroscience, pharmaceuticals and prosthetics, are we poised to enter a ‘post-human’ era? Will we jettison the limits nature imposed, even up to mortality itself? If so, to what end? Who will have access to these powerful tools, and what will become of those that do not?

For episode 6 of ‘Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution’, we enter an ethical minefield with Rob Sparrow of Monash University, Melbourne; James Hughes, Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies; Nita Farahany, Professor of Law and Philosophy at Duke University; Aldo Faisal, Senior Lecturer in Neurotechnology at Imperial College London; Lord Martin Rees, United Kingdom Astronomer Royal and founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk; and Meghan O’Gieblyn, a writer and journalist.

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