What is Anthropotech?
This website is the portal for a collaborative project between UWE Philosophy and the Centre for Ethics in Medicine (University of Bristol) that aims to explore the various philosophical and ethical dimensions of Anthropotech: the technological alteration of the body for the purpose of augmenting existing capacities, introducing new ones, or aesthetically improving the body. The term "anthropotech" is mostly inspired by French philosopher Jérôme Goffette's Naissance de l'anthropotechnie (Paris, Vrin, 2006).
The project team runs the Anphicon (Anthropotech + Philosophy) conference series, which begins in January 2013. The aim of these conferences is to explore the fundamental philosophical and ethical issues that are at stake in the debates surrounding Anthropotech.
THANKS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS FOR MAKING ANPHICON 1 AND THE 'SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE SMART DRUGS' EVENT A SUCCESS. AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE TALKS ARE UP, CLICK ON THE MULTIMEDIA TAB ABOVE!
The project team runs the Anphicon (Anthropotech + Philosophy) conference series, which begins in January 2013. The aim of these conferences is to explore the fundamental philosophical and ethical issues that are at stake in the debates surrounding Anthropotech.
THANKS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS FOR MAKING ANPHICON 1 AND THE 'SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE SMART DRUGS' EVENT A SUCCESS. AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE TALKS ARE UP, CLICK ON THE MULTIMEDIA TAB ABOVE!
Should Students Take Smart Drugs? Public Debate at the Watershed, Bristol, Wednesday 9 January 18:30-19:45
Join a panel of philosophers, psychologists, bioethicists and educators for a open debate and discussion on the ethical issues surrounding the use of smart drugs.
Panel members include: Chris Alford (UWE), Sylvie Allouche (Bristol), Michael Hauskeller (Exeter), Alex McKeown (Bristol), Ruud Ter Meulen (Bristol), Pete Moore (author of Enhancing Me - the hope and hype of human enhancement), and Ben Johnson (Graphic Science)
UWE Press Release from 3 January 2013
The use of various ‘smart drugs’ amongst secondary school and university students is on the rise – nearly 25% of students at some American universities report having used ‘smart drugs’ to help them study and improve grades. Most often this means the off-label use of prescription pharmaceuticals like Rittalin, Adderol, or Modafinil, normally prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. These drugs have been shown to increase concentration, attention span, and working memory capacity. But what are the risks and ethical issues involved? Is it fair that some students have access to expensive medications while others don’t? Do short-term gains outweigh possible long-term risks from the use of these pharmaceuticals? Is there a risk of ‘cognitive homogenisation’ from the use of such drugs?
A panel of philosophers, bioethicists, psychologists, and educators will debate these and related issues in a ‘Question Time’ style format, with active participation from the public encouraged.
The event is free of charge but registration is required
Panel members include: Chris Alford (UWE), Sylvie Allouche (Bristol), Michael Hauskeller (Exeter), Alex McKeown (Bristol), Ruud Ter Meulen (Bristol), Pete Moore (author of Enhancing Me - the hope and hype of human enhancement), and Ben Johnson (Graphic Science)
UWE Press Release from 3 January 2013
The use of various ‘smart drugs’ amongst secondary school and university students is on the rise – nearly 25% of students at some American universities report having used ‘smart drugs’ to help them study and improve grades. Most often this means the off-label use of prescription pharmaceuticals like Rittalin, Adderol, or Modafinil, normally prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. These drugs have been shown to increase concentration, attention span, and working memory capacity. But what are the risks and ethical issues involved? Is it fair that some students have access to expensive medications while others don’t? Do short-term gains outweigh possible long-term risks from the use of these pharmaceuticals? Is there a risk of ‘cognitive homogenisation’ from the use of such drugs?
A panel of philosophers, bioethicists, psychologists, and educators will debate these and related issues in a ‘Question Time’ style format, with active participation from the public encouraged.
The event is free of charge but registration is required
