Genetic Engineering
Science Content
You can genetically engineer organisms for fun and profit!
Check out this incredible, short guide on how to do so using CRISPR/Cas9 here!
In the event that you need a quick refresher on how CRISPR/Cas9 works, there’s a very short intro here with some pretty cool molecular animations.
There’s also a second-level intro to CRISPR/Cas9 embedded just below.
Please also take a gander at the announcement made by the researcher who performed the first genetic modification of humans using this technology.
Philosophy Content
Our philosophy content this week will focus on the ethics of human enhancement. That’s obviously a relevant topic in the context of genetic engineering. But it is also relevant to other topics we’ll be discussing this semester.
For Tuesday, you’ll be introduced to a group that is in really (as in REALLY) into human enhancement: the Transhumanists.
Before class, you should read “What is Transhumanism” and “Transhumanist Values,” both by Nick Bostrom. The essays are short, and a wild read.
If you have some extra time (haha), you can also read the New Yorker’s profile of Nick Bostrum. The one is completely optional.
Fiction Content
By Thursday of this week, you should be Finished with Out of the Silent Planet!