The second #WebinarAPRA “Bioethics, Death and Immortality in contemporary societies” will take place on June 27th from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm (Rome time) at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum.
The #WebinarAPRA series explores some of today’s most interesting topics. This second sesssion is dedicated to the dignity of human persons in situations of extreme fragility.
The frailty of the sick or dying patient inspires in many family members and health care professionals compassionate charity. Yet, according to some visions of bioethics, human beings can lose their personal dignity in situations that inhibit their capacities for self-awareness, rational deliberation, or self-determination. American bioethicist Charles Camosy has explored some trends in the treatment of vulnerable patients in his latest book, Losing Our Dignity: How Secularized Medicine is Undermining Fundamental Human Equality. In his work, the author addresses the view of influential bioethicists that “certain human beings who are deemed non-persons may be classified as mere objects and discarded or even killed without significant moral or legal concern.” Camosy will discuss how different visions of bioethics affect the treatment patients receive in the American medical system. He will also offer advice to those who wish to promote the fundamental dignity of every patient in environments that are not favorable to the notion. Next, the Italian bioethicist Stefano Semplici will share his insight into the role emergent technology plays in shaping hopes for a radical liberation from the vulnerabilities of illness, suffering, and death. Semplici will focus on the underlying anthropological visions that inform decisions about how to extend human life. Finally, Fr. Gonzalo Miranda will analyze how movements have successfully promoted euthanasia and assisted suicide as acceptable ways for patients to control the moment of their death. Miranda will discuss how authentic mercy can reverse trends to disregard human dignity in the name of compassion.
The webinar will assess how contemporary bioethics interprets the reality of death and aspires to overcome human limitations through technological immortality.
Schedule as follows:
Simultaneous translation Italian/English
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89172865562
INFO: info.bioetica@upra.org Tel.: +39 06 91689848