The Veritas conversation between Dr. Gilbert Meilaender and Dr. John Hardwig on Thursday, Feb. 28 was held at a packed Hodges Library auditorium.  The speakers focused on definitions of "person" and "human."  The discussion revolved around questions of how we define, and then treat, humans in various conditions.

After each speaker gave a brief introductory speech on his views, the two men sat down on couches and began to discuss bioethics. The conversation did not go into great detail on any particular subject, but addressed broader ethical questions.  Meilaender, a professor at Valparaiso University and a Lutheran, described his Christian perspective, one that regards all humans, regardless of mental capacity, physical ability or consciousness.

"Ten are no more than one in terms of dignity,"  said Meilaender. 

Hardwig, Head of UT's Department of Philosophy and an atheist, agreed that people deserved dignity, but also questioned how much we value one human as compared to another. He gave the example of how much one may value a friend or family member as compared to an Iraqi insurgent or stranger. Hardwig admitted that he valued people within his community more than those outside of it, but also believed that all humans deserved respect.

Meilaender believes that one should strive to treat everyone equally.  He asserted, " We should take our recognition [of people] into line with God's."  Arguing from a different standpoint, Hardwig asserted that there can come a time when someone loses a portion of his or her humanity, as when someone becomes mentally incapacitated.

The audience was allowed to participate in the discussion, but many students found they wanted more from the discussion. 

"I thought the format was interesting," said Jill Balmer, a UT student. "I feel like it could have been better guided, and I feel like not much was sorted out or legitimately addressed." 

The discussion stirred more questions and conversation after the event.  Nicholas Vence, another attendant of the discussion, wanted to ask several questions about euthanasia in the United States asking, "Why is it that we just can't pull the plug... or why don't we allow people to commit medical suicide if they have a terminal illness?" 

Anett Mendola, a teacher of bioethics at UT found the bioethics discussion interesting, especially when the conversation turned to speculation on how to treat intelligent life that is not classified as human. "How would you know?" she asked, when speculating on how to ethically deal with the possibility of other intelligent life forms.

Julian Reese, the organizer of the discussion, called the event a Veritas conversation.

"The full Veritas [ forums]  are bigger than this... what we wanted to do is have a more focused topic," Reese said. "Our hope was that people would see a Christian world view, a vision for Christian bioethical morals and an atheistic moral vision."