• Question: Is making a homunculus possible?

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      Asked by Crowe to Anne, Florence, Mark, Neil, Sinead on 9 Nov 2015.
      • Photo: Mark Collins

        Mark Collins answered on 9 Nov 2015:

        There are various moral questions surrounding this that have prevented it even to be considered. I am not sure if it has even ever been considered but I would be extremely doubtful that even beyond the moral dilemma if it was even possible, due to the huge complexity of the human body. I will say no, it is not possible and I doubt it ever will be.

      • Photo: Sinead Balgobin

        Sinead Balgobin answered on 9 Nov 2015:

        There is a pattern with these questions… I’m really glad popular culture is getting you to think about these complex scientific questions! I agree with Mark- morally it crosses a line that stops us from considering it, but I don’t think it will ever be possible either (certainly not using alchemy).

        That said, what about artificial intelligence? At the moment there are scientists trying to create computers that can reflect the complexity of the human mind, and completely separately, ones that are figuring out how to grow muscle tissue, and organs in the lab. Could these be combined? SHOULD these be combined? What are your thought about this, especially the moral dilemmas?

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