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Senior Colloquium Chat Page

A chance to discuss this website with the authors.

Monday, December 6th, 2004

7:00-9:00 pm

Home

Discussion Questions

Chat Schedule:

7:00-7:30 Genetics

7:30-8:00 Physical

8:00-8:30 Mental

8:30-9:00 Reproductive

Launch Chat Room

Use your Davidson user name to log on.
Non-Davidson - First NameLast Name (eg. JoeSmith)

Discussion Questions:

Genetic:

Who should have access to genetic technology (i.e. testing, therapy, and/or enhancement)?
What implications does gene doping have for the future of sports?
Would you seek genetic therapies to extend life if they did not guarantee quality of life? Why or why not?
What does it mean to be genetically perfect?
Would you want to know if you or your unborn child carries genes that increase risk for cancer, heart disease, or a genetic disease?

Physical:

Why do you think reality shows about cosmetic surgery have taken off in the past year?
Do you feel face transplants are warranted?
Do you feel a lot of pressure on this campus to attain a certain body type (i.e. thinness)?
Why do you think eating disorders are such an issue on Davidson's Campus?
In the wake of the recent Jason Giambi, Barry Bonds steroid scandal, what effect do you think inconsistency in the regulation of performance enhancing drug usage has on sports, especially baseball?

Mental:

What is it about our society that makes us want to have a "quick fix" in the form of drugs?
ADHD and depression diagnoses are at an all time high. Are the drugs to treat these disorders being over prescribed? Is there a solution to this?
Should pharmaceutical companies be allowed to advertise?
Do drug advertisements create new disorders?
Should doctors prescribe or recommend natural treatments since they are not approved by the FDA?

Reproductive:

Do you think parthenogenesis (same sex reproduction) will be an ethical possibility? What about ectogenesis (fetal growth outside human womb)? Would you participate in either of these procedures?
At what age do you think women should be considered ineligible for IVF (in vitro fertilization)/ART (artificial reproductive technologies)? Should surrogate carriers be allowed for these procedures?
Do you believe that women should be able to selectively abort multi-fetal pregnancies for IVF/ART procedures?
How would availability of male contraceptives change reproductive responsibility in the United States?
Do you think parents or medical professional should decide when to terminate life support on premature babies?

Questions or Comments, email Dr. Verna Case

This website was created as part of a Davidson College biology course.