How to Grow a Human: Reprogramming Cells and Redesigning Life

di Philip Ball (Autore)

HarperCollins Publishers, 2020

A cutting-edge examination of what it means to be human and to have a 'self' in the face of new scientific developments in genetic editing, cloning and neural downloading. After seeing his own cells used to grow clumps of new neurons - essentially mini-brains - Philip Ball begins to examine the concepts of identity and consciousness. Delving into humanity's deep evolutionary past to look at how complex creatures like us emerged from single-celled life, he offers a new perspective on how humans think about ourselves. In an age when we are increasingly encouraged to regard the 'self' as an abstract sequence of genetic information, or as a pattern of neural activity that might be 'downloaded' to a computer, he return us to the body - to flesh and blood - and anchors a conception of personhood in this unique and ephemeral mortal coil. How to Build a Human brings us back to ourselves - but in doing so, it challenges old preconceptions and values. It asks us to rethink how we exist in the world.

• Autore: Philip Ball
• Editore: HarperCollins Publishers
• Anno: 2020
• Rilegatura: Paperback / softback
• Pagine: 384 p.
• Dimensioni: 198 x 129 mm
• Peso: 340 gr.
• EAN: 9780008331818

Testo in English