Special Lecture :
"The ethical problems of stem cell research"

An lecture by Professor Peter Schaber (University of Zurich) took place with approximately twenty participants. Professor Schaber has been prolific scholar on ethics, and also have actively voiced his opinions on issues related to bioethics. He now holds a directorship at the Center of Ethics at the University of Zurich.

Professor Schaber's lecture on ES stemcell research included detailed analysis from ethical and logical stance, and while his lecture probed to find ways of approval for the promotion of ES stemcell research, the discussion session after his lecture touched upon issues of logic, methodological approach of theoretical ethics. The discussion session included vigorous dialogues on Aristotle, as well as Hans Jonas. The concept of potentiality of human dignity formed the central topic of the discussions. Professor Schaber was invited to Japan by the University of Hokkaido, and made a brief visit to Tokyo in order to give this lecture. Participants continued to exchange ideas actively with Professor Schaber after the workshop.