Fabricated humans? Human genetics, ethics and the Christian wisdom tradition

This is a PDF version of an article published in Dialog© 2005. The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com.This article discusses moral and ethical issues surrounding genetic screening and testing and argues that principles of Christian ethics and wisdom can guide this debate

Technology, Normativity, and the Future: the Aristotelian Turn

In our postmodern era all certainties seem to have gone. Neither the idea of progress nor standard ethical theories have apparently retained enough power to guide humanity. As a result, technologists find themselves in a paradoxical situation. While they demonstrate increased reality-changing activity, they are increasingly losing the instruments to effectuate their responsibilities for the future of the species. Two reactions to this state of affairs are possible. The first way is to accept this condition passively. This reaction consists of hardly more than hoping and praying. The second way is more active. That reaction consists of bringing about alternative routes to tackle the responsibilities of technologists. Providing such a reconceptualization is the aim of this paper. Its starting point is rooted in the old Aristotelian philosophy.\ud However embarrassing this might sound, the claim will be defended that the basic structure of Aristotle's ethics (quality of character in changing circumstances) is highly relevant for a fresh approach to forming the "virtuous engineer.

Rogue Science

This review essay considers the tension between the evidence-driven vision of science\u27s mission and the fears of malicious use and terrible consequences that have come to the fore since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These fears have led some to call for government restrictions on the substance of scientific research and communication. In general, this approach is likely to do far more harm than good. But scientists need to take the problem of social consequences more seriously than they have so far. The author argues in this essay that in some circumstances, when rogue use of science can do large-scale harm and when there are strong grounds for believing that a foe has the will and ability to do such harm, self-restraint within the scientific community is called for. The following works are reviewed: Science in the Service of Human Rights, By Richard Pierre Claude, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002. Science and Technology in a Vulnerable World, Edited by Albert H. Teich, Stephen D. Nelson and Stephen J. Lita. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2002

Cultural Humility: A Framework for Local and Global Engagement

Many institutions of higher education have implemented local and global engagement opportunities as a way to expose both students and faculty to different cultures and further their knowledge of those cultures. One of the primary goals of these cultural experiences is for students and faculty to become more culturally competent. However, it is possible that our current way of thinking and promoting cultural competency within education specifically may not go deep enough and could be considered limiting in the ways we partner, collaborate, and interact with people groups different than ourselves. Cultural humility, a construct currently accepted in some professional preparation programs in the medical field, may be the foundation from which to shift our thinking and practices about cultural competence within education and provide a deeper meaning and understanding to our work around the globe. This article describes the experiences and reflections, as well as personal and professional applications of three faculty members from George Fox University as we have participated extensively in global engagement experiences. Each faculty member addresses three questions that we considered which directly related to our experiences and learning journeys: (1) How have we changed our perceptions or assumptions as a result of our interactions within the context of these opportunities? (2) Have we changed our practices or thinking? (3) Are we more culturally competent as a result of these experiences than before we embarked on our global engagement initiatives

An Introduction to Korean Culture for Rehabilitation Service Providers

[Excerpt] The purpose of this monograph is to provide recommendations to busy rehabilitation service providers in the U.S. for effectively working with persons who hold traditional Korean values. The topics of Korean history, immigration, culture, language, religion, food, views on disabilities and rehabilitation services typically available in Korea are covered briefly to provide the reader with a quick overview and background. For those who seek more detailed information, the references cited in each section can be used as a starting point. For those with prior background knowledge of Korea, I suggest reading Part II first, in which I introduce Korean culture with case stories in the context of rehabilitation process

The impact of exchange rate on regional development: The example of western Switzerland

A currency space would be constitute in a ideal way if the integrated economic regions would react similarly on external shocks. In fact, Switzerland, as an economic space, is far from being homogenous. Since the end of Bretton-Woods, Switzerland is confronted with a durably revaluation of its currency on the exchange markets. The export industries and the tourism seem to be challenged by the strong currency. However, the financial industry is likely to profit by the development of the exchange rates. The "working place" and the "financial place" of Switzerland compete more and more concerning the optimal economic conditions. This situation must be considered as fairly explosive for regional development in Switzerland. We face an uneven spatial allocation of export orientated industries and presumed beneficiaries. And, there is also an unequal availability of resources on the organisational, sectorial and regional level - in order to react on the long-term revaluation of the Swiss currency. This paper presents the first results of a research project led on the Swiss case. We discuss the influence of the evolution of the exchange rate on the development of regions in Switzerland. It consists first in identifying regional production systems (RPS) in the country. A RPS is defined as a productive specialised area including a number of small and/or large firms. Across these RPS' sectorial specifities and their development logic, we try to understand the RPS' evolution against a durably strong currency. We expect different possible evolutions, i.e. the relocation of activities, the contraction of specific activities, the development of new industrial activities, etc. Through the notion of territorial anchoring, we develop the idea that particular activities are rooted more durably to their territory and maintain a more qualitative relation with it, preventing relocation. The analysis allows to constitute a typology of RPS' in Switzerland, regarding their exposure to the longrun currency development and their territorial anchoring.

Digital Anthropology: Projects and Platforms

pdf of website textMark Turin has agreed with the copyright holder the right to host a copy of this piece (whether audio, text or video) on University of Cambridge archives and servers.Article published 28 November, 2011. The article reports presentations given at the American Anthropological Association meeting. The article includes a review of Dr Mark Turin's presentation, entitled: 'Multimedia Archives for Anthropology of the Himalayan Region'. URL accessed week of 07/12/2011: http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology/2011/11/28/digital-anthropology-projects-and-platforms