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3/30/09

SLU Grad To Address Implications Of 'Coming Technological Revolution' In Talk

CANTON - James Hennessy, who serves on the serves on the board of Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc. (Texas) and is a member of the advisory board of the Center for Law, Science & Technology at the Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, will give a talk titled "Future Tense: Social and Ethical Implications of the Coming Technological Revolution" on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Eben Holden at St. Lawrence University. The event, part of the Contemporary Issues Forum, is open to the public, free of charge.

A 1971 graduate of St. Lawrence with a degree in history, Hennessy will discuss the rapid advances in converging technologies including genomics, robotics, information technology, nanotechnology and neuroscience (GRINN), all of which could assure a peaceful and promising future. But, Hennessy states, "There is a dark side that must be considered. How safe are these technologies? Will risks be understood and contained or will these capabilities be misused by rogue individuals or institutions?" These are among the questions to be explored in the talk.

The Contemporary Issues Forum brings experts and participants in the making of news to campus throughout the academic year.

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