University’s Research Centre to Explore Autonomy in One-Day Conference

The Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET) at St Mary’s University, Twickenham is to host a one-day workshop followed by a conference exploring the philosophy, theology and application of the concept of autonomy. On Monday 30th June, the Centre will deliver the Socratic Dialogue on Autonomy and the Other workshop in which a group of six to 12 participants will try to answer a philosophical question together by reflecting on their personal experiences. As a collaborate activity of thinking individuals, the sessions will allow participants to consider the issue of autonomy both in reflection and in practice. The workshop will then be followed by a one-day symposium, Autonomy and the Other, on Tuesday 1st July. Exploring autonomy in bio-medical practice, the conference will look at how; on one hand, an argument has been made to support a more relational concept of autonomy while it has also been questioned whether any attempt to live autonomous lives is an illusion. The conference will approach these issues both from historical and contemporary, as well as practical, perspectives. CBET focuses on the ethical and social implications of biomedicine and nanotechnology, and other new technologies, engaging with areas such as theology and philosophy; policy, law and regulation; governance and risk management; and the broad economic implications of leading edge technologies. The Socratic Dialogue on Autonomy and the Other workshop will take place from 10am- 4pm in Room D121 at St Mary’s Strawberry Hill campus, with a limited number of places available. The Day Symposium on Autonomy and the Other is to be hosted in Shannon Room 1 from 9.30am-5pm and will cost £20, though students can register for free. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on both days and the deadline for registration is Monday 23rd June. For further details including how to register for both events please contact Anna Westin on anna.westin@stmarys.ac.uk.