Humanity has evolved through the variation and selection of genetic and cultural traits, partially escaping the constraints of environmental influences that once shaped our prehistoric ancestors. With the hygienic, medical, and social advances of the 20th century, human life expectancy and healthspan have increased substantially in Western industrialized countries. Soon, thanks to revolutionary technologies such as CRISPR-Cas, we may even be capable of manipulating our genetic evolution selectively. However, can future society also actively shape cultural evolution instead of relying on the blind process of trial and error?

Panelists:

• PD Dr. Dr. med. Nicole Bender, Institute for Evolutionary Medicine, UZH
• Prof. Dr. Isabelle Mansuy, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH
• Prof. Hans-Johann Glock, Dept. of Philosophy and NCCR Evolving Language UZH
• Dr. med. Patrick Eppenberger, Moderation