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The Thomistic Institute

Human Nature and Biotechnology | Professor Stephen Meredith

Dec 22, 2023
Professor Stephen Meredith, Professor at the University of Chicago, discusses human fragility and vulnerability, the mixed blessing of biotechnology, theological questions in literature, love for mankind versus individuals, disease and death in animals, origins of names and animal suffering, disease and original sin, perspectives on morality and human behavior, and the humanity of Alzheimer's patients.
01:08:48

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Quick takeaways

  • Humanity is united by a common human nature inherited from our first parents, which includes free will and morality.
  • Disease is the destruction of the equilibrium of health and a corrupt habit, stemming from the absence or distortion of what is good.

Deep dives

Human nature and the transmission of original sin

Thomas Aquinas discusses the transmission of original sin and suggests that humanity is united by a common human nature inherited from our first parents. This nature includes aspects beyond biology and encompasses free will and morality. Original sin defines us as human beings and involves a tendency to sin, which can only arise from the capacity for free will and morality.

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