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.
Artificial Intelligence, Ectogenesis, Emerging Technologies, Human Enhancement, Human-Machine Interaction, Personhood, Reproductive Technology Ethics, Robotics, Robot Ethics.
(Del Rey, 2016).
Cognitive Enhancement, Human Augmentation, Human Enhancement, Neuroethics.
(Ace, 2016).
Neuroethics, Mental Health, Virtual Reality.
(St. Martin’s Press, 2010).
Robotics, Technology & Society, Transhumanism/Posthumanism.
(Pantheon, 2016).
Autonomous Vehicles, Emerging Technology, Privacy, Technology & Society.
(Ace, 2010).
Human Enhancement, Transhumanism/Posthumanism.
(Ace, 2009).
Artificial Intelligence, Cloning, Neuroethics, Posthumanism/Transhumanism, Radical Life Extension.
Artificial Intelligence, Cyborgs, Cognitive Upload, Human Enhancement, Nanotech, Neuroethics, Personhood, Radical Life Extension, Transhumanism/Posthumanism.
Dystopian future vision of emerging technologies run amok, complete with nanotech zombie epidemics, cognitive uploading, and a religion espousing digital immortality. The series follows Avery Cates as he transitions from run-of-the-mill killer-for-hire to international assassin to washed-up criminal embroiled in a battle for the future and survival of humanity.
(Disney-Hyperion, 2005).
Human Enhancement, Cognitive Enhancement, Neuroethics.
Jeremy is your classic high school student struggling with self-esteem. Enter Rich, someone who until the not so distant past was just like Jeremy, but now is the epitome of cool. The secret to Rich’s transformation is a black market pill (“squip”) that he promises will solve all of Jeremy’s problems by means of a little brain boosting.
(2016, PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity).
Designer Babies, Disaster Ethics, Emerging Technology, Eugenics, Genetic Engineering, Human Enhancement, Neuroethics, Research Ethics.
(2015, PG-13 for thematic content, sensuality, partial nudity and disturbing images).
Eugenics, Genetic Engineering, Human Enhancement, Neuroethics, Reproductive Ethics
(2015, PG-13 for intense violence and action throughout, some sensuality, thematic elements and brief language).
Neuroethics, Research Ethics.
(2015, PG-13 for some violence, sequences of sci-fi action, some suggestive content and partial nudity).
Genetics, Radical Life Extension, Regenerative Medicine.
(2013-present).
Bioterrorism, Cryogenics, Disaster Ethics, Organ Trafficking, Radical Life Extension, Surrogacy.
(2015-present).
Artificial Intelligence, Genetic Engineering, Human Enhancement, Nanotechnology, Personhood, Robotics.
(2016-present).
Human Enhancement, Research Ethics, Transhumanism.
