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The Thomistic Institute
Disease and the Problem of Evil | Prof. Stephen Meredith
Nov 14, 2024
Stephen Meredith, a professor at the University of Chicago specializing in pathology and the humanities, dives deep into the connection between disease and the problem of evil. He discusses the case of a sickle cell anemia patient, raising theological questions about genetic conditions. The conversation traverses Dostoevsky's *The Brothers Karamazov*, contrasting Ivan's and Alyosha's takes on love and suffering. Meredith delves into original sin's implications on health and morality, advocating for a thoughtful perspective on human fragility and societal responsibilities.
56:30
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Quick takeaways
- The speaker illustrates the complex relationship between genetic mutations, disease, and moral implications of genetic engineering through the case of sickle cell anemia.
- The discussion highlights the theological dilemma of suffering and original sin, urging a nuanced understanding of human responsibility towards alleviating the pain of others.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Suffering and Genetic Mutation
The discussion opens with an anecdote about Sylvester, a young patient suffering from severe sickle cell anemia, a condition caused by a single nucleotide mutation. This mutation leads to malformed hemoglobin, which results in painful blood clots and a variety of health issues. The speaker highlights the irony that while sickle cell anemia causes great suffering, the trait can also provide protection against malaria, illustrating a concept known as balanced polymorphism. This juxtaposition raises questions about genetic engineering and whether altering such mutations would be morally acceptable to alleviate suffering.
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