Hughes to speak at ASBH Politics & Bioethics Conf

Why a conference about politics and bioethics? Those on the right and the left hardly even talk anymore, right?

Political influence has an evolving role in bioethics and the emergence of new politically active bioethics institutions. Some argue that bioethics is becoming politicized. Others argue that it is coming into its own in a political world. Still others argue that a long-standing political bias in bioethics is at long last being corrected. With New York’s state capitol as a backdrop, those questions will be discussed and debated with the goal of reaching some areas of general agreement, clarifying disagreements and thinking broadly about the future of bioethics in a democratic society.

The tone will be set by a keynote from Prof. Edmund Pellegrino of Georgetown University, the Inaugural John A. Balint Lectureship.

Others confirmed speakers include, among others, Nigel Cameron, Arthur Caplan, Alta Charo, Eric Cohen, Richard Doerflinger, James Fossett, Jeffrey Kahn, Glenn McGee, David Magnus, Chris Mooney, Jonathan Moreno, Alicia Ouellette, Sean Philpott, William F. May, Wesley Smith, Bonnie Steinbock, Gerald and Paul Root Wolpe, and Laurie Zoloth.

We are currently soliciting contributed papers to be presented in highly interactive sessions at the conference. Those interested should click here to submit a 250-word abstract describing original work that does not substantially overlap with papers that have been published or that are simultaneously submitted to a journal or a conference with proceedings. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: the emerging role of religious and politically-affiliated bioethics centers, the difference between academic and political advocacy, the possibilities for dialog across political lines, and the effect politics is likely to have on a variety of debates in bioethics.