Futurewatch (6 Parts)

Synopsis

Seriess looking at the moral questions of the next century, as the limits of social behaviour, medicine, science and technology are pushed ever further. In each programme Michael Buerk discusses the issues with John Browning of ‘Wired’ magazine, Professor Susan Greenfield, writer Rosalind Miles, Catholic commentator Peter Stanford, and Professor Sheila McLean.
1: The effect of memory-enhancing drugs, computer headsets and memory chips on our perceptions of knowledge, wisdom and self-understanding. Also features science-fiction writer Michael Marshall-Smith’s visions of the future.
2: How virtual reality sex and simulated wombs will not only be able to separate sex and reproduction but also sex and relationships.
3: Ethical and medical issues surrounding the use of animals for organ transplants into humans.
4: How an understanding of genetics could lead to the creation of a ‘perfect’ person and the formation of a genetic underclass. Asks if there are are genes responsible for homosexuality, a tendency to commit crime, or even the capacity of have fun. Is behaviour defined by one’s genes?
5: With developments in surveillance equipment promising extraordinary levels of security, asks if there will come a time when information technology is in control and secrets no longer exist.
6: Explores the future of ageing, and asks if life is about quantity or quality, as drugs and genetics appear to be extending the human life span ever further.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 6 x 40 min.

Year of production

1996

Availability

Sale; 1998 sale: £14.99 (inclusive) each

Notes

Broadcast on BBC1 from 5/1/97.

Subjects

Medical sciences; Sociology

Keywords

ageing; genetics; homosexuality; human genome; human organ transplant surgery; medical ethics; memory; sexuality; surveillance

Credits

Producer

John Drury

Contributor

Anne Reevell

Cast

Michael Buerk

Sections

Title

Memories are made of chips

Synopsis

1: The effect of memory-enhancing drugs, computer headsets and memory chips on our perceptions of knowledge, wisdom and self-understanding. Also features science-fiction writer Michael Marshall-Smith's visions of the future.

Title

Sex files, The

Synopsis

2: How virtual reality sex and simulated wombs will not only be able to separate sex and reproduction but also sex and relationships.

Title

Animal farm

Synopsis

3: Ethical and medical issues surrounding the use of animals for organ transplants into humans.

Title

Human designs

Synopsis

4: How an understanding of genetics could lead to the creation of a 'perfect' person and the formation of a genetic underclass. Asks if there are are genes responsible for homosexuality, a tendency to commit crime, or even the capacity of have fun. Is beh

Title

Spies, lies and videotapes

Synopsis

5: With developments in surveillance equipment promising extraordinary levels of security, asks if there will come a time when information technology is in control and secrets no longer exist.

Title

Heaven can wait

Synopsis

6: Explores the future of ageing, and asks if life is about quantity or quality, as drugs and genetics appear to be extending the human life span ever further.

Sponsor

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

Name

CTVC Video

Email

ctvc@ctc.co.uk

Web

http://www.ctvc.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

020 8950 4426

Fax

020 8950 1437

Address

Hillside Studios
Merry Hill Road
Bushey, Herts WD2 1DR