by Sergio Lazaro Cabarrouy
Photographer Enrique Vilarino
A BIOETHICAL APPROACH TO THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND FREEDOM
Archdiocese of Havana, Havana, December 23, 2020: “The Posthumanist Horizon” was the second installment of the Conference Cycle: “Change of Era” of the Father Félix Varela Institute of Ecclesiastical Studies, of Havana.
In his welcoming words, Father Yosvany Carvajal, president of the Institute, invited to look at Bioethics as an interdisciplinary tool whose application reaches any area of human life and whose proposals have a growing scope in today’s world. He thanked the speakers and participants and invited them to take advantage of this rich space for exchange.
Implants, artificial organs, genetic manipulation to eliminate feelings or prolong life, as well as the philosophical conceptions behind these proposals, were topics addressed by academics with extensive experience in education and the application of Bioethics in our country, precisely for propose ethical tools in a time of profound changes where Posthumanism proposes a “reinvention” of the person.
The conference was given by Prof. Dr. René Zamora, Director of the Juan Pablo II Bioethics Institute and President of the Cuban Bioethics Committee. The panel included Dr. Carlos Delgado, professor and Vice President of the Committee; Br. Léster Zayas, OP, Rector of the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Center and Dr. Clara Laucirica, member of the Committee.
The cultural moment was in charge of the Schola Cantorum Coralina, which presented an international program dedicated to Christmas, with pieces that alternate between different spiritual responses to the Mystery of the Birth of Christ. After this moment a very interesting and plural debate arose, which lasted longer than expected.
The event was held in one of the galleries on the ground floor of the Cultural Center, thus allowing greater attendance without compromising social isolation measures.
The next conference has the title “Dreaming Society, between utopias and dystopias”, dictated by Lic. Erick Bermejo, a graduate of the Institute, and the Panel will be made up of Lic. René González, Msc. Mario A. Rivero and Dr. Rolando Pagés. The cultural moment will be in charge of the SolFa Children’s Choir, with a Christmas carol program.