E３LSI Symposium: Legal, Ethical and Philosophical Issues of Human Enhancement Technology by Moonshot SHIMPO Project, ‘Realization of a Society that can Use Cybernetic Avatars Safely and Securely.’

Date and Time: 7th March, 2025, (Friday), 12:30 for 13:00 start, until 18:00

Venue: Kyoto International Community House, (Kotoka), Kyoto

Format: Zoom Hybrid with Simultaneous Interpretation in English and Japanese

Sponsorship: Sogabe Laboratory, Kyoto University,

(supported by JST, Moonshot R&D Grant Number JPMJMS2215).

Endorsement: Japanese Society for Science and Technology Studies, Association of Law and Information Systems, Information Network Law Association

5. Summary: Cybernetic Avatars, (CA’s) are technologies which integrate ICT and Robotics to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities, as well as the five senses. These technologies allow us to have ‘Another Body’; for example, enabling virtual travel and sightseeing from the comfort of our own homes. They also create new opportunities for individuals with limited mobility to engage in work and other activities.

The enhancement of human physical and mental capacities, commonly referred to as ‘Human Enhancement’ has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of what it means to be human. However, it also challenges the long-held belief that we are defined by a single body and mind. As human enhancement technologies advance, they raise significant legal, ethical, and philosophical questions.

For this symposium, we are honoured to welcome two distinguished international speakers: Professor Stefan Lorenz Sorgner, a professor at John Cabot University renowned for his expertise in Transhumanism, and Professor. Mark Coeckelbergh, Professor of Philosophy of Technology at the University of Vienna. Additionally, Dr Yingjiao Zhu, a lecturer at Yamaguchi University, will provide insights into the latest discussions on human dignity and human enhancement.

Following the talks, participants will have opportunities to engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion on Human Enhancement Technologies, including Cybernetic Avatars, from the perspectives of law, philosophy, and ethics.

6. Time Table

12:30: Venue Open

13:00-13:10: Opening Remarks, (Masahiro Sogabe, Professor, Kyoto University)

13:10-14:10: Invited Talk, ‘We Have Always Been Cyborgs.’, Stefan Lorentz Sorgner,

Professor, John Cabot University

14:10-15:10: Invited Talk, ‘Democracy, AI and Human Enhancement’,

Mark Coeckelbergh, Professor, University of Vienna

15:10-15:30: Break

15:30-16:10: Talk from the Perspective of Japan, ‘Post-Human Dignity through the Lens of Weak Transhumanism’,

Yingjiao Zhu, Senior Lecturer, Yamaguchi University

16:10-16:25: Comments Section 1,

Tatsuhiko Inatani, Professor, Kyoto University

16:25-16:40: Comments Section 2,

Masatoshi Kokubo, Assistant Professor, Tokyo University

16:40-16:50: Break

16:50-17:50: Panel Discussion

17:50-18:00: Closing Remarks, (Masahiro Sogabe, Professor, Kyoto University)