The promise and perils of advances in technology, science, and medicine have long been fertile fodder for creative works in literature and cinema. Consequently, a variety of resources exist exploring the realm of medical humanities as well as those providing in-depth analysis of a given cultural medium or particular artifact. This column seeks to offer a more expansive listing of contemporary expressions of bioethical issues in the popular media (fiction, film, and television)—with minimal commentary—to encompass a wider spectrum of popular culture. It will be of value to educators and others for conversations in the classroom, over a cup of coffee, at a book club, or around the dinner table. Readers are cautioned that these resources represent a wide spectrum of genres and content, and may not be appropriate for all audiences. For more comprehensive databases of the various cultural media, please visit our website at cbhd.org/resources/reviews. If you have a suggestion for us to include in the future, send us a note at msleasman@cbhd.org.
Bioterrorism, Genetic Engineering, Human Enhancement, Neuroethics, Personhood, Posthuman, Research Ethics.
The trilogy follows Kira Walker, a young medic in a postapocalyptic U.S. Genetically enhanced humans known as Partials were developed by the U.S. government and the biotech firm ParaGen as a final military solution to the ongoing crises of global wars. After successfully completing their military campaigns, Partials returned to the U.S. in a failed attempt to integrate into society. Civil war broke out, and a genetically modified pathogen (the RM virus) was released, decimating human civilization. The remaining human population has been sequestered in East Meadow, New York as they seek to find a cure for RM—a virus that has prevented a human baby from surviving more than a few days in over 13 years. Kira Walker sets out to find a cure in a bold move that leads her to encounter the Partials directly, and learns a disturbing truth. The Partials are built with a biological time clock that causes them to expire after 20 years, and many of them are quickly approaching the deadline. Is there a solution that can benefit humans and Partials alike?
(2015, PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments).
Artificial Intelligence, Personhood, Robotics.
(2015, R for violence, language and brief nudity).
AI, Personhood, Robotics.
(2014, PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language).
Embryo Cryopreservation.
(2014, PG-13 for mature thematic material, and brief language including a sexual reference).
End of Life, Euthanasia, Mental Health
Human Enhancement, Neuroethics, Cognitive Enhancement, Neuro-Enhancement.
Biotechnology, Gene Patents, Human Cloning, Human Enhancement, Research Ethics, Stem Cell Research, Transhumanism/Posthumanism.
CBHD Research Staff, "Bioengagement (Fall 2015)," Dignitas 22, no. 3 (2015): 12–13, www.cbhd.org/dignitas-articles/bioengagement-fall-2015.
