
AsianScientist (Nov. 23, 2018) – With the advent of the information age and revolutionary technologies like gene editing, we human beings find ourselves at a point in history where we are able to actively shape the course of our future evolution. Will our mastery of technology usher in a new utopia or will we destroy ourselves—and our planet—in the process?
The answer: it depends on us. This was the conclusion reached by three eminent experts and thought leaders at a panel discussion held on November 21, 2018. Organized by Wildtype Media Group to celebrate the launch of Sydney Brenner’s 10-on-10: The Chronicles of Evolution, the event was held at 1880, a private member’s club in Singapore. The book traces the evolution of humans through 13.8 billion years, starting with the Big Bang and ending in the present.
Technology’s double-edged sword
Compared to the existence of the entire universe, human beings have only been around for a very brief amount of time, said panelist Dr. Benjamin Seet, executive director of the Biomedical Research Council at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Yet, in our brief existence, we have made astounding discoveries about the world and ourselves.
“Our ability to understand and manipulate DNA is one of the most important innovations of our times,” Seet said. “But as with every technology, it can be used for both good and bad.”
Acknowledging that genetic engineering might create a more unequal society, Seet also pointed out that it could be a tool for great humanitarian good, if used for the modification of crops to sustainably provide enough food for everyone on the planet, for example.
The need for practical wisdom
What is needed is practical wisdom, or what the ancients called phronesis, said Professor Helga Nowotny, Professor Emerita of Science and Technology Studies, ETH Zurich. Distinct from knowledge and technology, phronesis includes ethical considerations, as well as knowing not only how things work but also how to reach consensus and pragmatic outcomes.
Such wisdom comes about through cultural rather than biological evolution, she added, and both types of evolution need to occur together. For example, social innovations in the way hospitals are run are required for the technological innovations in medicine to reach their full potential, Nowotny said.
As cultural evolution is now occurring much faster than biological evolution, Nowotny is cautiously optimistic that we will be able to develop the social innovations required to rein in the negative impact of technology.
“It is up to us to act on our scientific knowledge and determine whether our planet will survive in the next century,” Nowotny said.
A reason to be hopeful
Agreeing, Sir David Lane, chief scientist of A*STAR, said that there have been tremendously positive social changes within his lifetime that make him optimistic about the future even in the face of seemingly pessimistic situations.
“Changing demographics and the empowerment of women are two great forces that will temper the deep-seated tribal ‘madness’ of our species,” he said, referring to the global rise of xenophobia.
Furthermore, what may appear to be a problem may turn out to be part of the solution, he added, suggesting that low birth rates in an aging population would mean that each child is more precious, driving a willingness to improve society.
As the thought-provoking discussions drew to a close, publisher and CEO of Wildtype Media Group, Dr. Juliana Chan, thanked the panelists and commemorated the launch of the book with a bottle of champagne sponsored by Abcam.
“Science indeed has an important role to play in society, but books and events such as this one are also needed to help the public understand the issues at hand,” Chan said. “We hope that The Chronicles of Evolution will continue to inform and spur much-needed debate about the future of humanity.”
Sydney Brenner’s 10-on-10: The Chronicles of Evolution is now available at Wildtype Books, Amazon.com and at Kinokuniya Singapore. Get your copy now!
Click here for more photos of the book launch party at 1880.
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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine; Photo: Cyril Ng/Wildtype Media Group.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.