The Code of (Bio) Ethics
In recent years biologists have made amazing discoveries that at one time were considered the realm of science fiction. They have discovered the structure of DNA and unlocked the genetic code of human beings. They have developed technologies that allow parents to select characteristics of their children, directly edit genes for future generations, inject drugs or electrical currents to increase memory, promote forgetting, and strengthen muscles.
While these technologies have great potential to promote human well-being, what are the potential costs? In allowing us to transcend our natural limits, do they threaten human dignity or do they help us to reach our potential? These questions, and others, have been explored in the Code of (Bio)ethics project. In their biology class students have studied the science of genetics and in their humanities class they have explored the ethical implications of that science. Although there are no easy answers to the questions posed by the science of genetics, we hope that students gain insights into them through the deliberations provided by this project.
While these technologies have great potential to promote human well-being, what are the potential costs? In allowing us to transcend our natural limits, do they threaten human dignity or do they help us to reach our potential? These questions, and others, have been explored in the Code of (Bio)ethics project. In their biology class students have studied the science of genetics and in their humanities class they have explored the ethical implications of that science. Although there are no easy answers to the questions posed by the science of genetics, we hope that students gain insights into them through the deliberations provided by this project.
Exhibition Night
Our exhibition is loosely modeled after the process conducted by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Biomedical Issues. The commission is made up of experts in the fields of science, philosophy, law, and business who make policy recommendations to the President of the United States.
Likewise, our exhibition includes a panel of students who role play various specialists tasked with answering the question, “Should we allow enhancement technologies”? These panelists will publicly deliberate on the issue after seeking advice from students and guests who discuss the question in small breakout groups. This is an interactive exhibition where parents are encouraged to participate and to contribute to group discussion with students.
Likewise, our exhibition includes a panel of students who role play various specialists tasked with answering the question, “Should we allow enhancement technologies”? These panelists will publicly deliberate on the issue after seeking advice from students and guests who discuss the question in small breakout groups. This is an interactive exhibition where parents are encouraged to participate and to contribute to group discussion with students.
Photos of Exhibition Night
Chapbooks
Chapbooks are inexpensive do it yourself publications that are meant for popular consumption. Today, they are often associated with poetry but they can include a variety of artistic, social, and scientific topics. For this project, groups of students made multi-genre chapbooks related to to ethical implications of particular genetic technologies. Here are some examples:
Example 1 - Brianna, Eve, and Nayeli
Example 2 - Anna, Jullian, Meghan, and Zoe
Example 3 - Angel
Example 4 - Dana, Maia, Victoria, and Zach
Example 2 - Anna, Jullian, Meghan, and Zoe
Example 3 - Angel
Example 4 - Dana, Maia, Victoria, and Zach
Websites
A series of student panels were conducted in school during the lead-up to exhibition night. Each panel group created a website that presented their research and their recommendation. Here are examples of the websites:
Genetic Privacy
Genetic Privacy