Saturday, March 26, 2016, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Fireside Room
Led by Dr. Bill Garrett
Suggested Donation: $20
To register email Lonnie Moseley or call (510) 655‐1444

Since 1900, the average life expectancy in the US has been extended by some 30 years. Part of the story is medical and pharmaceutical progress. This is indisputably good news, and we are grateful for it. But the human engagement with technology has gone far beyond the therapeutic. In addition to treating disease, we now use technology in the project of enhancement.

Far beyond the familiar enhancements of using steroids to become stronger and plastic surgery to change our looks, the near future holds the possibility to use pharmaceuticals to boost creativity and intelligence. In addition, nanocomputers might be embedded in our brains to process and store information even faster― to the point, some worry, at which the human and the technological become indistinguishable.

Popular biologist E. O. Wilson and other thoughtful critics are concerned that the road to human enhancement might lead beyond what we today recognize as humanity― beyond what we cherish as human dignity.

The workshop is intended to provide you with a conceptual framework and the basic terminology of the “Project of Enhancement.”  There will be a presentation followed by vigorous discussion. No assumptions will be made about “correct answers” to the urgent questions considered.

By the time you leave the workshop you will have understanding and information that will be essential to you taking an active role in this vital cultural and political debate.

Bill Garrett, Ph.D, is past professor of Religion and Philosophy at JFK University and UC Berkeley.  He now teaches through the Osher Lifelong Learning Program.