Dr. Jonathan Anomaly, a philosopher from Duke University specializing in the ethical implications of biotechnology, dives deep into the ethics of genetic enhancement. He discusses the current capabilities of embryo selection and the moral dilemmas surrounding choosing traits like intelligence and athleticism. Anomaly raises questions about the societal consequences of genetic inequalities and the responsibilities of parents in this new landscape. The conversation ultimately probes whether opting out of genetic enhancement could be considered unethical in our rapidly evolving world.
01:52:37
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Eugenics Defined
Eugenics harnesses heredity knowledge to influence children's traits.
The term, coined by Francis Galton, gained prominence with Mendel's experiments, Darwin's theory, and twin studies.
insights INSIGHT
Eugenics Misconceptions
People associate eugenics with Nazism due to their horrific practices.
The woke left also uses the term to stifle discussions about genetics.
insights INSIGHT
Eugenics and Politics
Early eugenicists were progressives who believed science could improve humanity.
The modern left's blank slate view hinders discussions on genetic technologies.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks[3][5][4].
The Precipice
Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity
Toby Ord
In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy[1][3][5].
Digital Minimalism
Cal Newport
In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives. He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest. The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction. Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values[2][3][5].
Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Friedrich Nietzsche
Thomas Common
The book details Zarathustra's descent from his mountain solitude to share his transformative ideas about humanity and existence. Nietzsche explores themes such as the rejection of traditional moral values, individualism, and the concept of the Overman. Zarathustra's interactions with various characters reveal his struggle to articulate his vision and confront prevailing societal values. The book also delves into the existential test of the eternal recurrence of the same and the importance of self-overcoming and personal transformation[2][4][5].
Ultrasociety
Peter Turchin
In 'Ultrasociety', Peter Turchin argues that war has been a crucial factor in the evolution of human cooperation, leading to the formation of large, complex societies. He uses the science of cultural evolution to explain how conflict has shaped human history, creating both destructive and creative outcomes. The book challenges traditional views on cooperation and conflict, offering insights into the paradoxical role of war in fostering peace and societal advancement.
Hereditary Genius
Francis Galton
In *Hereditary Genius*, Francis Galton explores the idea that exceptional abilities are inherited, arguing that nature plays a more significant role than nurture. He presents evidence showing that high achievers often have relatives with similar abilities, concluding that eminence is largely due to hereditary factors. The book laid the groundwork for the field of eugenics, which aimed to improve the human race through selective breeding.
Life at the Speed of Light
From the Double Helix to the Dawn of Digital Life
J Craig Venter
In *Life at the Speed of Light*, J. Craig Venter shares his journey from sequencing the human genome to creating the first synthetic life form. The book explores the history of molecular biology and its future implications, including the potential for digital life and its profound impact on humanity. Venter discusses how advances in synthetic biology could revolutionize fields like medicine and environmental science.
Dr Jonathan Anomaly is a philosopher who writes about the social implications of emerging biotechnologies, teaches classes in ethics and game theory, and helped design the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at Duke University.
The ability to select from potential embryos is already here. Soon, we will be able to select for height, intelligence, personality types, moral disposition, athletic ability and maybe even enhance traits which aren't present. This creates a vortex of complex ethics around one of the most contentious topics on the internet - genetics. So I decided to dive in.
Expect to learn just what the current technology of embryo selection can achieve right now, whether opting to not genetically enhance your child is an unethical practise, the dangers of creating massive societal inequality, why you are already a eugenicist, whether genetic interventions are morally different from environmental ones and much more...
Go to my sponsor https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help
Modern Wisdom 
