Intelligence Squared is hosting a provocative debate on the motion “Prohibit Genetically Engineered Babies” — this Wednesday, February 13, 6:45-8:30pm, at the Kaufman Center, 129 West 67th Street (btw Broadway and Amsterdam), New York City.
As IQ2US describes the issue:
Imagine a world free of genetic diseases, where parents control their offspring’s height, eye color and intelligence. The science may be closer than you think. Genes interact in ways that we don’t fully understand and there could be unintended consequences, new diseases that result from our tinkering. But even if the science could be perfected, is it morally wrong? Would it lead to eugenics and a stratified society where only the rich enjoy the benefits of genetic enhancement? Or would the real injustice be depriving our children of every scientifically possible opportunity?
For the motion: Sheldon Krimsky, Professor, Tufts University and Chair, Council for Responsible Genetics; and Lord Robert Winston, Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor, Fertility Studies, Imperial College. Against the motion: Nita Farahany, Professor of Law and Professor of Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University; and Lee Silver, Professor, Princeton University.
Tickets are available here. If you can’t make it to the live debate, you can watch live online here, or download the NPR podcast via iTunes next week, here.