A unique and very special opportunity

14th September 2011 to 25th April 2012

We are delighted to present a series of talks on the ethics of human biology.

What is this for?

Bioethical controversies are never far from the headlines and observation of the public, and at times even Parliamentary, debate suggests that the arguments presented are rarely balanced or fully informed. Appeal is often made to individual cases and to personal autonomy but with little exploration of the full context of personal decision-making or of the wider implications. In the wake, for example, of the presentation of the assisted suicide debate by the BBC in Terry Pratchett’s documentary on Dignitas it must come as no surprise that public opinion is swayed towards its legalisation.

There is a clear need for a deeper, more informed, serious and balanced public debate in which the full range of views and their underlying ethical assumptions and implications are respectfully and accurately presented and debated.

The purpose of these talks is to contribute in some small way to that aim. It is hoped that participants will both be assisted in their personal decision-making and enabled and motivated to engage constructively and confidently in the public debate.

Who is it for?

This is for everyone - not just Catholics, nor Christians, nor people of faith. All are most welcome. No advance knowledge is expected or assumed. All we ask is that you come with a commitment to listen and to engage constructively.

Who are the speakers?

We have already welcomed four expert guest speakers (see updates). Next month we have a talk on medical law from James Bogle, a barrister specialising in this area. In March we welcome Edmund Adamus, Director of Pastoral Affairs for the Westminster Diocese, who will speak on the Theology of the Body and its relevance to bioethics. The final talk is given by the talks convenor, Pauline Gately. For more detail on all these talks see the updates section below.

UPDATES

We have already heard talks on ethical theories, the human person, and ethical issues at the beginning and approaching the end of life. Outlines of these talks and recommended supplementary reading lists may be found here

Our next talk:

Followed by:

The Theology of the Body

Wednesday 21st March

In this talk Edmund Adamus, Director of Pastoral Affairs for Westminster Diocese and regular speaker on the Theology of the Body, invites us to step back from the central

themes of these talks to learn of love, truth and the human person through the teachings of Blessed Pope John Paul, brought together as the Theology of the Body - and

discover their profound relevance to ‘thinking bioethics’.

Further details can be found here  

And finally:

Issues and Agendas

Wednesday 18th April

The speaker is the talks organiser, Pauline Gately, who has a Masters degree in Bioethics from St Mary’s University College where she has also guest lectured. She will reflect on some topical bioethical issues in the light of what we have learnt and also consider whether the apparently piecemeal and disjointed evolution of our bioethics is underpinned by more coherent agendas.

Further details can be found here  

Registration -  is now closed but you are, as ever, most welcome to attend the talks whether or not you have registered.

What else?

We also hope that the talks will mark the beginning of a longer journey and we will provide resources to all those who have registered for the full series of talks to encourage further and continuing independent research and reflection. Where permissible and practical we will also provide this information here.

When are the talks?

For a full timetable and an outline of each talk, please see our promotional leaflet here: Promotional leaflet

For further information please contact Pauline at p.gately@btinternet.com.