News

Vice-Chancellor to debate the evolution of medical ethics

(7 January 2005)

The next session in a highly successful programme of informal scientific debates will take place on 18th January when the Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Sir Kenneth Calman, holds a talk on the evolution of medical ethics.

His talk, entitled, 'The Evolution of Ethics, Do Values Change?,’ is part of the Cafe Scientifique programme organised by Queen’s Campus, Stockton, and will consider how values in relation to medical ethics have changed over the past 50 years.

During the discussion, examples will be presented of clinical issues which have forced the re-evaluation of beliefs, and in some instances, changed opinions. The event aims to answer whether or not there are a series of core values which cannot, and should not change, but in addition, if there also exists a range of subsidiary values which can and may be modified.

Sir Kenneth was the UK’s Chief Medical Officer and currently chairs a working group on bioethics in developing countries. He also served many years as a prominent clinical professor and he is an author on the treatment and care of cancer patients, and other health issues. His wide-ranging interests include gardening and cartoons.

The event will take place at Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, on Tuesday 18th January at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. Admission is free, although attendees are invited to make a small contribution towards expenses.

Cafe Scientifique is a monthly conversation concerning current issues in science and technology. The aim of each event is to create a free exchange of ideas between a range of specialist speakers and the general public. A background in science is not necessary and anyone, from sixth formers to senior citizens, can engage with an expert about the latest ideas and trends in a relaxed cafe setting. The invited specialist speakers are leaders in their field and are open to conversation - not just about technical details but also about the impact of science and technology upon communities and the world.

The events are a project of John Snow College, one of the University of Durham’s two colleges at Queen’s Campus in Stockton. Martin Dancey, Development Officer at John Snow College, said: “The whole aim of Café Scientifique is to give people of all walks of life and all age groups a chance to think about how science and technology impacts upon all aspects of life. It is done in an informal and relaxed atmosphere with all the jargon and technical talk stripped away. We want to encourage more people from within Stockton and surrounding communities to come along and join in the discussions.”

The Cafe Scientifique programme runs until July 2005 and a wide range of expert speakers and fascinating topics are scheduled for the coming months. On February 15th 2005, Ben Mayo, Director of the Fuel Cell Applications Facility at the Centre for Process Innovation on Teesside, will discuss the opportunities and the implications of Fuel Cells on the North East region. Full details of the 2005 programme can be viewed at: www.cafesci-stockton.org.uk

Media enquiries to:

Public Relations Office, University of Durham. Tel: 0191 334 6078 or email t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk