Critical Race Theory and Science; Ethics of De-Extinction; Inside Plato's Cave
A conversation with Victor Ray and Sam Hoadley-Brill; an event with Jay Odenbaugh; a new Substack by Alexis Papazoglou
Dear all,
This week’s Sunday newsletter has lots to sink your teeth into: a sharp new interview exploring the influence of science and pseudoscience on critical race theory, and an event weighing up the ethics of de-extinction - a subject which has captured the world’s attention this past month following pieces in Time Magazine and The New Yorker. What does this purported breakthrough mean for the future of gene sequencing, and even the future of living species, dead or alive? Much food for thought.
Also, Alexis Papazoglou, a great friend of The Philosopher and the host of our monthly “The Philosopher and the News” events (see below for tomorrow’s event) has just started a new Substack called “Inside Plato’s Cave” which explores the intersection of philosophy and the news cycle. Please subscribe to it and tell your friends to as well!
Your Sunday Read
“Critical Race Theory, Science and Pseudoscience”
a conversation between Victor Ray and Sam Hoadley-Brill
Critical race theory (CRT) is based on the premises of pervasive racial inequality and a social constructionist (i.e. anti-essentialist) conception of race. It challenges the idea that the superficially colorblind nature of the law means the law is race-neutral. Amongst other things, critics of CRT have argued that it is an anti-scientific research program. But are these claims correct? To what extent have these pseudoscientific claims played a role in fomenting the backlash against CRT? You can read the interview here.
Monday Event: 11am PT/2pm ET/7pm UK/8pm CET
“The Ethics of De-Extinction”
Jay Odenbaugh in conversation with Alexis Papazoglou
Having roamed America’s continent for thousands of years, the dire wolf had gone extinct around 10,000 years ago. Until, that is, a company called Colossal Biosciences claims that it has managed to bring the species back to life in the form of two wolf pups: Romulus and Remus. But despite the scientific wonders of gene editing, can we be sure that these pups are genetically identical to the dire wolfs of the past? And even if such a miraculous process of de-extinction – bringing back to life species that have gone extinct – is practically possible, is it a good idea? Are we are morally obliged to bring lost species back to life if we can, especially if humans were responsible for their extinction? Or would such practices risk “Jurassic Park”-like scenarios, while our limited resources for environmental conservation are best channelled in preserving existing species? You can find out more and register here.
Event Recording
If you missed the recent event on “The History of Philosophy and the Future of AI”, you can watch the recording here:
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Wishing you all a lovely Sunday, wherever you are.
Elinor Potts
Managing Editor