April 11-13, 2008

Westminster College

Aim of Course

This course will examine some of the profound ethical dilemmas which arise out of the practice of science. Examples to be considered include stem cells, genetically modified crops,bionic persons and brain manipulation, euthanasia, and modern warfare. In particular, the question as to whether or how a religious perspective helps in the resolution of the problems raised will be addressed.

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

  • John Bryant : Genetic Engineering, Stem Cells
  • Revd Dr Rodney Holder : Science, Faith and the Battlefield
  • Gareth Jones : Human Embryology
  • Tim Maughan : Euthanasia
  • Neil Messer : Christian Moral Reasoning: How Can it Help (and Should it?)
  • Joe Perry DSc, FIBiol: Ethics of food production, including GM crops
  • Michael Reiss : Handling Ethical Issues in the Public Domain
  • Ms Philippa Taylor : Bionic persons

Venue

The course will be held at Westminster College, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0AA. Click here to obtain further details about the College.

Westminster College is housed in an impressive late 19th century grade II listed building situated in two acres of gardens within easy walking distance of Cambridge City Centre, the celebrated ‘Backs’ and other University Colleges.

Westminster College is on the main ring road within easy access off the M11 and A14 and has limited on-site parking. The College is a short taxi ride from the train and bus stations. Airport coach or train from Stansted Airport (the most convenient airport for Cambridge) takes 30-40 minutes. Location map for Westminster College.

Course Schedule

Friday April 11
6.00 pm Arrival
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Prof. Neil Messer: Christian Moral Reasoning: How Can it Help (and Should it?)
 

Saturday April 12

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. Tim Maughan: Medical Advance and Ethical Issues at the End of Life
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. John Bryant: Genetic Engineering in Health and Disease
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Prof. John Bryant: Stem Cells in Research and in the Clinic
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Prof. Gareth Jones: The Human Embryo: Reassessing Theological Approaches in the Light of Scientific Advance
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Prof. Michael Reiss: Handling Ethical Issues in the Public Domain
6.30 pm Questions and Discussion
7.00 pm Gala Dinner
8.30 pm Panel Discussion with 4 Speakers  Questions and Discussion
 

Sunday April 13

9.00 am Ms Philippa Taylor: Bionic Persons: The Ethics of Enhancing Humans
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Revd Dr Rodney Holder: Science, Faith and the Battlefield
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Prof. Joe Perry: The Ethics of Food Production and GM Crops
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Depart