On May 23, 2025, Fr. Prof. Joseph Tham, Chair Fellow, will introduce 1) the topic of CRISPR during the 2025 Special Lecture of the Nicholas Cardinal Cheong Graduate School for Life, Catholic University of Korea; on May 25, 2025, he will present 2) “The Meaning of the Encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” in the History of Bioethics” during the 2025 International Conference of the Catholic Institute of Bioethics, University of Korea.
- Topic: CRISPR and Genetically Modified Humans
This conference will first look at the advances of gene editing techniques especially that of the recent development of CRISPR. The technology has many applications in plants, animals and humans. The focus will be on how this breakthrough can now modify, enhance, and correct the human genome in different types of cells. We will look at how gene editing can be applied to somatic and germline cells, for the purpose of treatment or enhancement. Looking at the case of He Jinkuai, and the different statements from the American, British, and UN, we can project the future development of gene editing as GM humans become a real possibility.
- The Meaning of the Encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” in the History of Bioethics
Thirty years ago, the Encyclical Evangelium Vitae was published. Other than a coherent and forceful defense of human life at its beginning and natural end, it coined the terminology of Culture of Life and Culture of Death. This presentation will look at some of the cultural changes in the last half century which can impact societal attitudes towards life issues. First, there is the phenomenon of the secularization in different ambits including bioethics. Second, there is a polarization and politization of these controversial issues. Third, we will delve into the change in the conception of selfhood according to Charles Taylor, which has corresponding influence on the concept of human dignity. The contrast between the essential and existential selves mark the divide between the traditional prolife stance and the liberal pro choice positions. The new development towards infanticide will be mentioned.
http://bioethics.catholic.ac.kr/index.ink