Henry T. Greely, J.D.
Henry T. Greely, J.D., is the Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law and professor (by courtesy) of genetics at Stanford University. He specializes in ethical, legal, and social issues arising from advances in the biosciences, including neuroscience, genetics, and human stem cell research. He chairs the California Advisory Committee on Human Stem Cell Research and the steering committee of the Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics, and he directs the Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences. From 2007 to 2010 he was a co-director of the Law and Neuroscience Project. In 2006, he was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Enhancing Brains
What Are We Afraid Of?In 2008, Henry T. Greely, a professor at Stanford Law School, co-authored a commentary in Nature; it concluded that “safe and effective cognitive enhancers will benefit both the individual and society.” Here, he argues that only some concerns about the use of cognitive enhancements are justified; proper attention is needed to address these issues. He contends that rather than banning cognitive enhancements, as some have suggested, we should determine rules for their use.
Knowing Sin
Making Sure Good Science Doesn’t Go BadLike all tools, scientific advances may be used for good or for ill. As our knowledge about the human brain increases, we will certainly use that knowledge to relieve human suffering in profound and wonderful ways. But the vast promise of the science should not blind us to the possibilities of its misuse.
Seeking More Goodly Creatures
Ironically, child “enhancing” genetic technologies would only be the latest variation among practices that have been employed, even cherished, throughout history.