Judaism, Science, and Medicine Group Annual Conference

Biotechnology, Judaism and the Future of Humanity: Can Technology Make Us More Human?

In an era where the frontiers of biotechnology continually reshape the landscape of medical science, professionals across the field are navigating a complex web of ethical, legal, and philosophical challenges. As we stand at the cusp of groundbreaking innovations that promise to redefine the very essence of human life and health, the question of how these advances align with our deepest cultural and moral values has never been more pressing.

Enter the 2024 Annual Conference hosted at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak as well as on zoom on February 25-26, 2024 by the Arizona State University Jewish Studies Department’s Judaism, Science and Medicine Group (JSMG). This unique event, titled “Biotechnology, Judaism, and the Future of Humanity: Can Technology Make Us More Human?” seeks to offer a rare confluence of wisdom, scientific inquiry, and cultural reflection.

The two-day conference aims to foster a dialogue that is critically needed in today’s medical community—how can we harmonize the rapid advancements in biotechnology with the time-honored principles and ethical frameworks that have guided humanity for centuries?

For more information and to join the conference in-person or via zoom, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/science

The conference’s sessions are designed to address the multifaceted aspects of this question. From exploring the implications of biotechnology on the future of humanity to dissecting the nuances of Jewish law in the context of modern medical innovations, the event promises to be a forum for medical professionals seeking guidance and clarity in these changing times. The ethical considerations of biotechnological advancements and the philosophical and theological reflections on these innovations will also be central themes, encouraging a holistic examination of how technology shapes our human experience.

The keynote address by Laurie Zoloth, titled “The Language of Things: Technology, Polity, and Responsibility in Jewish Thought”, will delve into the intricate ways Jewish thought intersects with contemporary issues in technology and ethics, offering profound insights into how responsibility and polity are conceptualized within this framework.

This conference is not merely an academic exercise but a vital convergence of minds grappling with the pressing issues at the intersection of biotechnology and human values. It is an invitation to medical professionals, scientists, ethicists, and educators to engage in a meaningful discourse that could shape the trajectory of healthcare and human enhancement in the years to come.

As the boundaries of what is medically and biologically possible continue to expand, the need for such interdisciplinary conversations has never been greater. The 2024 JSMG Annual Conference stands as a testament to the possibility of finding common ground, where science and tradition can not only coexist but enrich each other in the quest to understand and improve the human condition.

Professionals across the spectrum of medical and scientific fields are encouraged to attend, whether in person or online, to contribute to and benefit from this pivotal dialogue. The future of humanity may well depend on the ability to navigate these complex waters with wisdom, empathy, and a deep respect for the diverse tapestries of belief and knowledge that make up our world.

For more information and to join the conference in-person or via zoom, visit jewishstudies.asu.edu/science

About the Judaism, Science and Medicine Group

The Judaism, Science and Medicine Group (JSMG) is an international organization of natural and social scientists, philosophers, historians, physicians, rabbis, theologians and educators who act to promote and facilitate a close relationship between Jewish religion, cultures and values, and the sciences, for the mutual benefit of both. Membership is free. Please contact Lisa Kaplan, Assistant Director of ASU Jewish Studies to be added to the membership rolls.