From: Matt James [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 05 March 2008 09:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: BioCentre symposium: Cognitive Enhancement 11th March 2008
People Power for the Third Millennium: Technology, Democracy and Human
Rights
BioCentre is pleased to invite you to the second symposium of the
series:
Transhuman minds? Is cognitive enhancement a human right?
Tuesday 11th March 2008
The Royal Society of Medicine, London
3-6pm, followed by drinks reception
The development of cognitive enhancement has meant the phrase "give your
brain a boost" now brings with it a range of connotations which have
never been experienced thus far in human history. The convergence of
nano-, bio- and information technology with cognitive science promises
many interesting forms of cognitive enhancement. Neurobiology is
expanding our understanding of how the brain works in association with
neural systems and information technology is providing vastly improved
signal processing capabilities for use in neurobiological research.
Accompanying such advances, cognitive neuroscience is pushing back the
traditional boundaries of cognitive psychology to broaden understanding
with regard to the interaction between brain structure, function and
cognition.
The prospect of being able to enhance human cognition presents a nexus
of questions associated with future ambitions, hopes and concerns.
Should individuals be allowed the freedom and the right to decide for
themselves how best to use enhancement technologies? Is government
intervention and regulation required in order for both individuals and
society to thrive through the use of enhancement technologies? Or does
the very notion of human essence prohibit enhancement in all its forms?
BioCentre invites you to an assessment of what cognitive enhancement
promises and how best to harness its potential informed by leading
specialists in the field.
Speakers will include:
Professor Ruud ter Meulen
Professor of Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol Speaking on: Will
enhancement make us better? Ethical issues of the use of biotechnology
to enhance our (cognitive) capacities.
Dr. Anders Sandberg
James Martin Research Fellow, Future of Humanity Institute, Oxford
University Speaking on: Morphological freedom: best served by
institutions or rights?
Dr. Donald Fitzmaurice
Director of ePlanet Ventures, former Professor of Nanotechnology,
University College Dublin Speaking on: Mind over Market - An Investor
Perspective on Cognitive Enhancement
Dr. Daniela Cerqui
Social and Cultural anthropologist, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
RSVPs are required. Please include your name and the organisation that
you represent in your response. There is no charge for the event.
To RSVP:
e: [log in to unmask] / t: 0207 227 4706 / w: www. bioethics.ac.uk
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Distributed through Cyber-Society-Live [CSL]: CSL is a moderated discussion
list made up of people who are interested in the interdisciplinary academic
study of Cyber Society in all its manifestations.To join the list please visit:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/cyber-society-live.html
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