AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion

News & Events: Workshop

In collaboration with the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences and the Episcopal Working Group on Science, Technology and Faith, DoSER organized a workshop for theologians and ethicists on "Genomics, Robotics, and Nanotechnology" that was held 14-15 February 2001. Scientific briefings were provided by leading researchers in each of these fields. There was opportunity for the participants representing multiple religious traditions to engage the scientists in discussion of the ethical and religious implications of these developments. Included in the program was an evening public event held at Grace Episcopal Cathedral featuring Bill Joy, co-founder and Senior Scientist at Sun Microsystems. Joy presented his cautionary concerns about the possible convergence of technological developments in genomics, robotics and nanotechnology. A panel, including the three researchers who provided the earlier briefings, as well as, a theologian and ethicist, responded to his presentation.