Welcome!
We live in a knowledge society. Scientific, technological and societal developments are closely interrelated. This not only results in the emergence of new technologies (ICT, genomics, nanotechnology), but also affects our self-image, the ways in which we see ourselves in relationship with the world around us. Science and technology clearly have a profound influence on society, but the reverse is also true: society significantly shapes the ways in which science and technology evolve. Understanding the co-evolution of science, technology and society has become one of the core objectives of the Faculty of Science. ISIS brings together a group of experts coming from various disciplines and backgrounds (science, social science, science studies and philosophy), combining forces to achieve critical mass and focus in research and education at the interface of science, technology and society.
ISIS/CSG Colloquium
Title: Genomics & Personal Identity
Date: Thursday 4 February 2010
Time: 15.00 – 17.00 hrs
Place: Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science, Huygens Building, Heyendaalseweg 135, Room HG00.304
The Colloquium explores the implications of genomics research for views on personal identity.
David Castle (University of Ottawa) will address the extent to which genomics research, notably nutrigenomics, has strengthened the empowerment of individuals and their responsibility over personal health and physical condition through life style and food intake.
Michael Arribas-Ayllon ( Cardiff University) will focus on the recent shift in genomics discourse towards “personalized medicine”. He will argue that the notion of responsibility invoked by genomics research assumes a version of neo-liberal citizenship. Yet, this model of citizenship-as-identity also runs into a number of difficulties. Rational, self-governing individuals are confronted with new forms of risk information that are extremely complex, hard to communicate and subject to competing interpretations. Thus, the new discourse on susceptibility and promises for self-management opens up a new field of ethical problematisation. The question is whether the sheer complexity and ambivalence of genomic knowledge will render the production of “choice” and the fabrication of “responsible citizenship” a realistic option, or rather a highly questionable one.
Michiel Korthals (Wageningen University and Research Centre) will comment on both lectures and open the discussion. And there will be ample opportunity for debate.
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. David Castle Canada Research Chair in Science and Society, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Law University of Ottawa
Dr Michael Arribas-Ayllon Research Fellow ESRC Centre for the Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen) Cardiff University
Prof. Dr. Michiel Korthals Applied Philosophy Wageningen University and Research Centre Principal Investigator CSG Moderator: Prof. Dr. Hub Zwart ISIS (Institute for Science, Innovation & Society)/ CSG (Centre for Society & Genomics)
Visiting address
Huygens building
Heijendaalseweg 135
6525 AJ Nijmegen
The Netherlands