Philosophy, science, and theater united last night for a discussion on bioethics in Robsham Theatre. The student panel was part of "An Unknown Future: The Body, Biotechnology, and Human Nature," a series of panels, discussions, and film screenings aimed at examining the bioethical issues explored in the theater department's production of An Experiment with an Air Pump. The series is presented by the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics in conjunction with the Boston College theater department and Robsham Arts Center.
-John Houchin, Chairman of the Theater Department
"Cooperation between history and theater departments is common, but it is unique to have collaboration between management and theater that [relates] theater and ethics. This collaboration is very rare in the world of academic theater," said John Houchin, chairman of the BC theater department.
The evening began with Patricia Riggin, director of An Experiment with an Air Pump, explaining why she chose the science-minded production. The play contrasts 18th-century bioethics and the people affected by it with people in a similar situation in 1999. "We think things have changed [since then], and yet they are not so different," said Riggin.
Riggin, an assistant professor of theater at BC, said that once she and other theater department heads decided on the play, research of many current-day bioethical issues, such as cloning and research on embryos, proved to be fascinating work. Though the play touches on many of these issues, she said that it provides no sure answers. "I don't think there are any answers, there are just tons and tons of questions," she said.
Clare O'Connor, an associate professor and assistant chairperson in biology at BC, was the next panelist to address bioethics and how it was portrayed in the play. O'Connor's PowerPoint presentation briefly explained the recent advances science has made concerning the human genome, and how further advancements in this field will allow scientists to locate which genes are linked to specific diseases. O'Connor also explained pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a procedure that tests cells removed from embryos for genetic abnormalities. O'Connor said that both of these advancements are causing ethical dilemmas in the scientific community, as they are means for deciding the "worthiness" of an embryo. She also spoke about the possibility of human cloning in the future: "I see it on the horizon," she said.
Lisa Cahill, the J. Donald Monan, S.J. chair and professor of theology at BC, spoke about the moral implications of biology and how they are addressed in the production. "It takes many issues of bioethics … and puts them in a much bigger social context," she said.
Cahill said that many bioethical issues - ranging from the use of cadavers in research to the confidentiality of genetic testing information - are all addressed within the context of the moral standards of the time.
Cahill also explained the motivations of scientists, which she cited as the magnetism of knowledge, excitement of discovery, quest for money and fame, and the relief of human suffering. "The play shows that science should be an interdependence of emotional sensitivity and rationality."
Rev. John Paris, S.J., the Rev. Michael P. Walsh, S.J., chair in bioethics, served as moderator for the panel.
A general panel on bioethics will be held on Saturday at approximately 4:30 p.m., following a performance of An Experiment with an Air Pump. Tickets are available for the 8 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday, as well as the 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday.
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