TRS 733E Human Nature and Biotechnology
One of sources of controversy surrounding bio-technologies is over how possible genetic, mechanical, and pharmaceutical manipulations relate to human nature. Some commentators fear that these interventions might violate important aspects of human nature while others claim that our nature is precisely to manipulate ourselves. The first part of this class will explore contemporary theological and philosophical accounts of nature and natural law. The second part of the class will examine how these accounts are drawn on and can illuminate specific ethical issues in contemporary biotechnology and moral theology.