Gene technology has brought us to the point where it's theoretically possible to bring back extinct animals from the "species grave". But the science is not straightforward - and neither is the philosophy. There are complicated questions of environmental ethics involved, as well as metaphysical questions that have to do with identity. Is a reverse-genetically-engineered woolly mammoth really a woolly mammoth?
Guest: Christopher Lean, philosopher of biology and conservation science working with the Theory and Methods in the Biosciences research group at the University of Sydney
Interviewer: Kate Lynch, Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science, University of Melbourne
Producers: Kate Lynch, David Rutledge
Further information: De-extinction, pt 2 (The Philosopher's Zone, April 16 2023)
This episode of The Philosopher's Zone was produced in collaboration with the Australasian Association of Philosophy.