6. A Catholic Response to Transhumanism

Father Michael Baggot, LC, professor of bioethics at Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, shares with Dr. Dan Kuebler about his vocation story and what led him to study transhumanism. They discuss the philosophies behind transhumanism, why it’s more prevalent than you think, the ethics of emerging technology and enhancements, and what Catholics can bring to the conversation.

5. What Makes Us Human?

Transhumanists want to use technology to alter our human condition, but what does it mean to be human? Dr. Paul Symington, chair of Franciscan University’s Philosophy Department, joins Dr. Dan Kuebler to talk about why we are both body and soul, what we understand (and don’t understand) about consciousness, Elon Musk’s Neuralink, and if there’s any overlap between transhumanist and Christian views.

4. A Crash Course in AI

What is AI, really? Dr. Dan Kuebler and Dr. Fernanda Psihas, computer science and physics professor at Franciscan University, explore all things artificial intelligence, including how AI works, why using ChatGPT is different from having a human conversation, how bias appears in algorithms, and where the future of AI is headed.

3. Genetic Engineering: Ethical or Not?

Genetic engineering has been brought from science fiction into reality, but it raises many ethical questions. Dr. Daniel Kuebler and Dr. Derek Doroski, a Franciscan University engineering and biology professor, discuss the moral dilemma of genetic engineering, addressing everything from how it can help produce medical products such as insulin to the dangers of genetically modifying humans.

2. How Has Technology Changed Us?

Dr. Dan Kuebler talks with Dr. Alex Plato, philosophy professor at Franciscan University, about the impact of technology, for good and for ill, on society and on the human person. They explore how rapid technological advances have drastically altered our relationships with each other, ourselves, nature, and God—and how we always have the freedom to make more virtuous choices.

1. What Is Transhumanism?

In the new season of Purposeful Lab, Dr. Dan Kuebler discusses transhumanism, exploring how humans interact with technology and how technology changes us. He talks with Dr. Michael Deem, professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health, about the history of transhumanism, why the movement has escalated in recent years, and its ethical implications.

6. What Are the Feminine and Masculine Genius?

Dr. Dan Kuebler talks with Dr. Deborah Savage, theology professor at Franciscan University, about the complementarity of man and woman, the feminine genius and masculine genius, and how a proper understanding of sexuality leads to human flourishing.

5. The Purpose of Sex and Gender

Dr. Abigail Favale, author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory, and Dr. Dan Kuebler explore the meaning of sex and gender, how modern culture and the feminist movement have fallen away from this truth, and how Catholic Church teaching provides a fuller vision of the reality of man and woman.

4. The Psychology of Gender Dysphoria

Dr. Andrew Sodergren, director of Psychological Services at Ruah Woods Psychological Services, and Dr. Dan Kuebler discuss the rise of gender dysphoria, as well as the importance of integrating a Catholic understanding of human sexuality into psychology and therapy.

3. The Truth About Gender-Affirming Care

Dr. Paul Hruz, professor of pediatrics, endocrinology, and diabetes at the Washington University School of Medicine, and host Dr. Dan Kuebler talk about the difference between gender dysphoria and disorders of sexual development, the dangers of gender-affirming care, and how medical treatment can better work toward true health.

2. What Are Intersex Conditions?

Dr. Rashad Rehman talks with Dr. Dan Kuebler about the definition of gender and how the term has been misconstrued, what intersex conditions are, and the ethical treatment of these conditions. Dr. Rashad Rehman is a professor of philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. His primary area of research is in bioethics, specifically bioethical issues concerning sex and gender. He also maintains interests in metaphysics, the philosophy of religion, and the philosophy of liberal arts education.

1. The Nature of Man and Woman

In this season of Purposeful Lab, host Dr. Dan Kuebler explores the nature of man and woman. He talks with Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, about higher education today, why people are struggling with what it means to be male and female, and how Christianity helps us be who God created us to be.