A launch event for Rice University’s biennial 2024 De Lange Conference featured a film screening and panel discussion at the Asia Society Texas Center Jan. 24.
The event began with a screening of the documentary film “Make People Better,” which chronicles the story of a biophysicist and his use of genetic engineering practices.
Following the screening, Robert Howell , professor and department chair of philosophy at Rice, joined Jim Endersby , professor of the history of science and associate dean for people, culture and inclusion in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex, in a detailed conversation about the ethical dilemmas the film presents.
“There’s a huge worry that as humans we aren’t in a position to decide the boundaries of when to use this (technology) and when not to,” Howell said during the discussion. “And if we get used to it in one context, we might be happy with using it in contexts which are much less salubrious.”
This year’s De Lange Conference will address the future of technology, biology and climate through a series of lively interventions and debates Feb. 9-10 at the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Themed “Brave New Worlds: Research, Risk, and Responsibility,” the conference will traverse provocative questions regarding synthetic biology, computer and data surveillance technologies and how to govern the ever-impending climate crisis.
The event is free, but registration is required.
For a complete schedule of events and speakers, visit https://delange.rice.edu/schedule.
