Medical bionics: how far can we and should we go?

 Prof Robert Shepherd, Bionics Institute

 Andrew Alexandra ,Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics  

Thursday 5 July 2012 - 6.30pm to 7.30pm - Laby Theatre, David Caro building, Parkville. 

Free entry. Refreshments will follow.

How far would you go to be better than you are ?

In the last 60 years, remarkable progress has been made in medical bionics. Eventually, bionic devices will be able to outperform functional limbs and organs, opening new fields of perception and agency. This will raise unprecedented legal, social and ethical issues.

If bionics can treat depression effectively, should they be used to induce feelings of happiness? Who is responsible when a thought-controlled device causes unintended harm? Should we create bionics that give us superhuman abilities? These questions and more will be raised at the lecture. Join us for an enlightening discussion on a controversial topic.

Map: http://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/192

Flyer: download

Parking: http://www.pcs.unimelb.edu.au/services/parking/car_parks

More about the speakers: http://materials.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/events/listing/medical_bionics

More about Melbourne Materials Institute: http://materials.unimelb.edu.au/