Chautauqua-Wawasee will kick off the 2015 season by showing “Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement” a documentary on disability and technology. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. April 23 with dinner with the director and experts followed by a screening of the film at 7:15 p.m. followed by a question and answer session with experts.

The event will be held at Oakwood Resort in the Hilltop Conference Center, formerly the Academy building, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse.

“We knew right away we wanted to explore issues of bioethics,” said Nathan Day Wilson, executive director of Chautauqua-Wawasee. He also has a personal interest in bioethics.

Wilson explained he came across the documentary and after viewing it, contacted the director who was interested in coming to Oakwood. Wilson said there is a lot of interest in human advances, some people may think are science fiction. “Some are already in use and we don’t think twice about, such as cosmetics, ADHD medications, steroids,” Wilson said. “It’s not ‘Robo Cop’ of the 1980s. We have robo cops (drones) now for the military that are combined with humans,” Wilson said.

After the movie, there will be a panel discussion with:

Jason Eberl, the Semler Endowed chair for medical ethics and professor of philosophy at the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also an affiliate faculty member of the Indiana University Center for Bioethics.

Ronald Cole-Turner, the H. Parker Sharp professor of theology and ethics, a position relating to theology and ethics to developments in science and technology, at Pittsburg Theological Seminary.

Eric M. Meslin, founding director of the Indiana University Center for Bioethics. He is also associate dean for bioethics in the Indiana University School of Medicine and in 2012 was appointed IU’s first professor of bioethics.

And Wilson, who has more than 400 publications, has given numerous lectures and is currently engaged in research on human enhancement.

“I had a good hunch last November the timing was right (for this program),” Wilson said. “The way the program has developed is amazing.”

Wilson, who has studied both medicine and theology, has long had an interest in human enhancement. It was while doing research on human enhancement he came across the film. Several colleagues also highly recommended it.

“To decide something is not normal, defines what normal is. And does technology put an end to disability?” Wilson said. “Some in the disabilities communities are hesitant about technology. Others are supportive, but costs are prohibitive.”

His research has also caused him to ask questions such as when is human enhancement considered cheating, should we as a society be taking normal to a state of advanced, how can technology be available to everyone rather than the privileged.

“The bioethical issues in front of us are some of the most engaging, entertaining and complex,” Wilson said.

For more information or to purchase tickets go online to www.chqw.org.