Genomics & Personal Identity
| Datum: | 04 feb 2010 |
| Tijd: | 15:00 tot 17:00 uur |
| Locatie: | Radboud University Nijmegen, Huygensgebouw |
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)
Location: Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science, Huygens Building, Heyendaalseweg 135, Room HG00.304