Questions for the future, now

John Harris is a bioethicist and philosopher. He is the Director of the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation at the University of Manchester. He is a Patron of Humanists UK.

Bioethics is a field of study that started out as medical ethics and explored the ethical issues that arise in medical practice around what doctors should have permission to do and the rights of patients (e.g. abortion, assisted dying). However, it has morphed to include a wider interest in ethical issues relating to biotechnology and human enhancement (e.g. cloning, life extension, genetic engineering).

Question: Humanism involves an approach to moral questions that asks us to consider the evidence and the consequences of our actions, and asks us to be sceptical of judgements made on grounds of faith or tradition. Is it therefore better placed than alternative worldviews to address the ethical questions we will face in the future?