Humans have always sought to enhance themselves and their performance. Examples include education, the drinking of coffee, and the choice of reproductive partners whose genes are perceived to be desirable. But now, and increasingly, technology allows for enhancement of a kind and to a degree that call into question the definition of an individual and the relationship of ‘enhanced’ persons to ‘non-enhanced’ persons and to society generally. If person X takes a substance that increases his IQ by 100 points still person X? If the enhancing substance is not available to everyone, what are the political consequences? Is there anything wrong with the use of performance enhancers in sport? What about drugs that improve performance in university examinations? Is it desirable or practicable to ban enhancements of all types? These and related questions will be addressed by some of the world’s most eminent experts in the field, including Julian Savulescu, Nick Bostrom, David Jones, Guy Goodwin, and Charles Foster.
When: 23rd November 2011, 6-8pm
Where: Abraham Lecture Theatre, Green Templeton College, Oxford
Registration: All welcome. No need to register, no charge. Enquiries to Charles Foster
