PatrickBarry

PatrickBarry OP wrote

Submission statement: a ten minute read that describes 1) how familiar patterns of ownership and exclusion took over a part of the classroom, and 2) the re-education and experiments the teachers undertook to unpick it and let the kids invent a more equitable system

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PatrickBarry OP wrote

In the mean time, here's a copy paste of their recommendations:

• Biomimetics should not be solely approached as a technological endeavor; instead it should be embraced with a respectful view of nature. Recognize that biom∗ can contribute to the sustainable development of designs that preserve the integrity of ecosystems.Working towards incorporating the ethical and epistemological principles of biomimicry in a flexible and adaptable way could better align biomimetic innovations with natural systems.

• Recognize the value of all biological processes and products of evolution as valuable, encompassing both harmonious and cooperative interactions, as well as competitive and conflictual ones. In the latter case, consider the potential negative consequences of biomimetic innovations and applications, especially in military contexts, and be mindful of the social and ethical responsibility for generating or transferring biological knowledge that could be used with harmful intent.

• Conduct a critical evaluation of the assumptions underlying any biom∗ work, including the misconception that biological systems are inherently optimized and superior to current technologies. By integrating principles from evolutionary biology, and adopting an ‘evomimetic’ approach, evolutionary constraints and limitations can be overcome, leading to more appropriate implementation of results and enhancing the potential of biomimetics for technological innovation.

• Adopt a critical approach when considering the motivations for using biological knowledge in the context of biomimetics, especially when it involves conducting research on living organisms. While biomimicry values nature for its intrinsic worth, biomimetics often objectifies organisms and treats them as mere resources. Consider the ethical implications of conducting research on living organisms in research, particularly in the context of biomimetics, and question the costs of such experimentation. Be aware of the different bioethical perspectives and their implications, and evaluate whether engaging in studies concerning living organisms to obtain knowledge that may give rise to technological innovation is justified or not. Explore alternative approaches to experimentation that do not involve living beings.

• Promote the development of biom∗ within a regulatory framework that acknowledges the value of biodiversity and ensures ethical and legal use of biological knowledge. Adopt a biocentric perspective to acknowledge and appreciate the organisms that have inspired innovation. In addition, by providing local communities access to biom∗ technologies, sustainable practices inspired by natural processes can be incentivized, thereby promoting environmental conservation.

• Urgent efforts are required to define the conceptual boundaries of biom∗ and to ensure that ethical considerations are incorporated throughout the process. While this may require input from philosophy, it is also important to acknowledge and accommodate the differences between the disciplines of biology and engineering/design and take input from industry, consumers, as well as legal and regulatory bodies to fully address the challenges of biom∗ . In this process, it becomes crucial that we do not constrain the potential of biom∗ by imposing overly restrictive regulations or ethical guidelines, as this could impede scientific progress and innovation. Achieving a balance between responsible research and development, alongside fostering creativity and exploration, is crucial for the sustained growth and success of biom∗ .

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PatrickBarry OP wrote

on 1. yeah. I don't disagree. Other places I habituate are very strict on editorializing titles.

on 2. - I've requested the full text from the author. Almost never had an academic say no. Full text might appear on here at some point: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372376661_Biomimethics_a_critical_perspective_on_the_ethical_implications_of_biomimetics_in_technological_innovation

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PatrickBarry OP wrote

as it exists right now the power is in the hands of corporations that won't form a part of any solution without providing more problems

It's certainly true GMO crops have corp fingers all over them. But pretty much any university department will be capable of CRISPR, and that's the kind of role I'm imagining here. I've colleagues working on mercury detecting bacteria for soil screening, for example.

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