CRISPR Me This

CRISPR Me This

Author: Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD & Rudy Salo | Philosophy & Education Podcast January 14, 2020 Duration: 44:48

Can science edit what it means to be human — and should it?

CRISPR technology can now rewrite the genetic code of a living embryo. Scientists are already doing it. But who decides where the line is? And what do those decisions reveal about how we understand consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human at all?

In this episode of Good Is In The Details, host Gwendolyn Dolske and guest co-host Jacob Weber sit down with Professor Peter Ross — Professor of Philosophy at Cal Poly Pomona, specialist in Perception and Cognitive Science, and Director of the Science, Technology, and Society Program — to explore one of the most urgent intersections of science and philosophy today.

What we get into:

  • What CRISPR gene editing actually is, and how close we already are to designer babies
  • The bioethics of genetic engineering — who gets to decide what traits count as "enhancements"?
  • Whether editing human DNA violates human dignity, and what philosophers mean by that
  • The philosophy of mind dimension: if you alter the brain genetically, do you alter the self?
  • How the infamous "CRISPR babies" case in China forced the world to confront questions it wasn't ready for
  • What cognitive science tells us about how well we actually know our own minds — and why that matters for genetic ethics

This is an episode where science fiction has become science fact, and philosophy is the tool we need to navigate what comes next. Recorded at Cal Poly Pomona, one of the earliest episodes of Good Is In The Details, and still one of the most urgent.

Good Is In The Details is hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D. and Rudy Salo — a philosophy and books podcast exploring the questions at the edges of science, ethics, and the examined life, in the spirit of Socrates.

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. 💛 Support the show: patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails

📱 Instagram: @GoodIsInTheDetailsPod | TikTok: @ProfDolske

Keywords: CRISPR ethics, gene editing philosophy, designer babies ethics, bioethics podcast, philosophy of mind, genetic engineering debate, human dignity, cognitive science, philosophy of science, Peter Ross Cal Poly Pomona, science and society, philosophy podcast, should we edit human DNA, CRISPR babies, what is a person, identity and genetics, Good Is In The Details

  


Hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D., and Rudy Salo, Good Is In The Details operates on the belief that the most profound insights are often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be unpacked. This philosophy and education podcast doesn't just skim the surface of big topics; it lingers there, examining the nuances of how we think, learn, and ultimately live our lives. You'll hear thoughtful, meandering conversations with scholars, authors, and practitioners from diverse fields, all centered on how ideas from ethics, culture, and critical thinking intersect with our daily realities. The hosts have a knack for breaking down complex academic concepts without losing their depth, making each episode feel like an engaging seminar you can enjoy on a walk or during your commute. Rather than offering easy answers, this podcast provides the tools and perspectives to ask better questions, finding the substance in the subtleties that we often overlook. It’s for anyone who believes that understanding the framework of an argument or the history of a thought is just as important as the conclusion. Tune in for a consistently thoughtful exploration of the books, theories, and cultural forces that quietly shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 190

Good Is In The Details
Podcast Episodes
2024 Moments and Behind the Scenes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
Enjoy a few behind the scenes clips and segments from guests of 2024! GIID guests in this episode: https://www.profmdwhite.com https://meganmaemiami.com https://jaaronsimmons.com/camping-with-kierkegaard https://saraprot…
Truth vs Conspiracy with Jason Cavanagh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:29
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome executive producer, writer, and podcaster Jason Cavanagh. We discuss his True Crime podcast Son of a Hitman, the story of Charles Harrelson. How can we discern truth from conspiracy? What are t…
The Philosophy of Star Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:36
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Professor Dr. Krista Noble to discuss her book One With The Force, 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars. We learn about the underscoring spiritual themes in Star Wars, specifically conc…
The Public Square Post Covid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:30
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back Sociology Professor Dr. Jack Fong to discuss his book Reconfiguring Global Societies in the Pre Vaccination Phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic. How did the change to public spaces…
Encore: The Climate is Above Politics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
Our hearts and minds are with the people who've been devasted by the hurricanes in Florida, NC, and surrounding areas. GIID is donating for disaster relief. Thank you to our patrons who've made this platform possible to…
Being Philosophical About Post Punk Rock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back Philosophy Professors Joshua Heter and Richard Greene to discuss their book Post Punk and Philosophy. Rip It Up and Think Again. What exactly is post punk rock? How does the sh…
Critical Thinking Details: Beware of Con Women [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:48
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back author/podcaster Tori Telfer to discuss her book Confident Women. What does it mean to be a Con Artist? How can we learn about sorting through relevant information, fact, and fiction? Are…
Business Details: The Story Behind Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:41
Gwendolyn Dolske interviews four women about the origin stories of their success in business. We discuss creativity, beliefs about what is possible, and how to handle the ups and downs of business. Get inspired by their…