Course Info

Objectives

Course Design

Grading

Required Texts

Readings

Writing Assignments

Final Project

Design Presentation

Overview

For centuries, cultural traditions from around the world have offered diverse visions of human perfection, from marble statues of Greek athletes and goddesses to . . . . Since the Enlightenment, Western culture has increasingly turned to technological progress as the preferred means of achieving human perfection. Scientific knowledge and technology, according to this vision, promises to unlock the secrets that will perfect our lives.

In this course, we will look critically at the scientific and social assumptions behind our cultural imperative to seek perfection by technological means. In particular, we will focus on recent advances in biomedical technology and will analyze the ethical, social, economic and political issues that arise when the proffered uses of biomedical technology go beyond fighting illnesses to perfecting lives. We will examine these technologies and their implications under three broad headings:

I. Perfect Genes. Can genetic defects and diseases be eradicated? Can genetically perfect humans be engineered? We will look at the science of molecular genetics and its technological applications in the Human Genome Project, cloning experiments, stem-cell research, reproductive technologies, and the rapidly expanding biotech industry.

II. Perfect Bodies. Can biomedical technology produce bodies free of flaws and flab? Can we optimize our bodies for sexual attractiveness, or athletic performance, or extraordinary longevity? We will look at biomedical technologies for weight control, cosmetic surgery, sexual potency, sports performance, and extension of life.

III. Perfect Drugs. Can we rely on pharmaceutical magic bullets to control infectious diseases and eradicate psychological distress? Can we rely on a steady stream of new pharmaceuticals enhance our lives? We will consider the spread of antimicrobial resistance, possible overuse of psychoactive drugs, and questionable marketing practices of the pharmaceutical industry.