Modifying humans throws up some of the same issues about appropriate boundaries, values in decision-making, and control of new technologies as the impact of science and technology on the natural world. Both impact on our notions of the ideal and to what extent we can and should 'interfere', what are the consequences of doing so (and can we know them) and is it acceptable to let 'nature' take its course?
Of course in the case of humans there are much better-mapped areas of moral acceptability, and the social context and consequences of any decisions is much more marked.
With the advances in the bio-sciences, our scope for interfering in our own make-up is expanding. Can we really say whether it is better to be a permanently contented Barbie doll or a wildly creative manic-depressive with a crooked nose? Should not imperfection be regarded as an essential part of what it is to be human?
John Harris, professor of bioethics at Manchester University, said that reproductive liberty should be respected. Those who advocate restricting it needed to justify why it should be. Indeed producing children which have enhanced sporting or musical abilities is something to celebrate.
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Tom Shakespeare responded by explaining how new choices in embryo and genetic selection may not be so clearcut because people are complex systems which cannot be straight-forwardly manipulated with knowledge of the consequences. Yet the availability of these techniques can lead to greater intolerance of those traits not defined as 'perfect'. Led by commercial interests and likely to lead to greater inequality in acces to genetic services. We need to come to terms with our imperfections.
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Kathy Phillips described how expenditure on cosmetic surgary was rising rapidly, and that there was no stopping the increase in demand or the use of new techniques as they become available. The quest for beauty, at the expense of money and pain has a long tradition. But this would not make people happy, but they would remain unhappy because much of the 'beauty enhancement' was about dissatisfaction with themselves.
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Donald Bruce made a plea for us to look at the internal not the external. The soul is what is important not the external appearance. Trying to fix our physical imperfections has no value when Jesus was made perfect through suffering.
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The question and answer session raised issues as wide ranging as sex selection, eugenics, cosmetic surgery, disability and evolution.
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As you'll see, we have made the speeches available and some of the questions and debate. Unfortunately the sound quality has meant that not all the debate was transcribed effectively. But we hope you can read some of the highlights.
