What kind of humanism in a post-genomic era?
Gilles Bibeau (Department of Anthropology, Université de Montréal):
Abstract
Genomics has brought the science of biology to a new threshold; it may also have brought medicine, agriculture, psychology, anthropology and even philosophy to a new threshold as well. I am afraid the question about "what is human in humans" may end up being answered, in our post-genomic era, by geneticists, specialists of technoscience and owners of biotech companies. Firstly, I will defend the idea that humanity is at risk in our age of genetic engineering, biotechnologies and market-geared genetic research. Secondly, I will argue that the values at the very core of our post-genomic era bring to its peak and conclusion the science-based ideology that has developed since the time of Galileo, Newton, Descartes and Harvey. Thirdly, I will argue that the bioindustry has invented a new genomythology that goes against the scientific evidence produced by the research in genomics and that this "grand narrative" is promoted by companies of biotechnologies and by international organizations such as WTO. Humanity has actually acquired a new set of enemies to replace the grand narratives of the past: a genomythology promises a better life for everybody, the treatment of diseases at their sources, a new generation of protein-driven drugs, transgenic plants which will permit to prevent famines, to produce better food… The bioindustry plus advanced capitalism plus the multinationals serve as the vehicule that sustains the genomyth.
Date:Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Concordia University (Building H), 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., 6th Floor (Metro station Guy-Concordia, exit Guy Street)
Room: H-629
Contact: (514) 848-2424 ext 2595
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