Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:52
How to Find Effects of Stimulus Processing on Event Related Brain Potentials of Close Others when Hyperscanning Partners
Published on: May 31, 2018
Hastings Conversations: Working with Erik Parens
The Hastings Center Report
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Erik Parens is retiring from The Hastings Center in June 2026 to focus on teaching. His contributions through writing and conversation, particularly his focus on core values in bioethics, will be deeply missed.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Ethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
Background:
- Erik Parens, a prominent figure at The Hastings Center, has made significant contributions to bioethics.
- His work is characterized by a deep engagement with core values.
- Parens is transitioning to a full-time teaching role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To acknowledge Erik Parens's retirement and his impactful career at The Hastings Center.
- To highlight the profound influence of his insights, both written and conversational, on the field of bioethics.
- To recognize his dedication to core values in ethical discourse.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative assessment of contributions through published works (papers, reports, books).
- Analysis of impact derived from personal interactions and conversations.
- Observation of his transition to a career in teaching.
Main Results:
- Parens's written works have been highly valuable.
- Conversations with Parens offered unique insights into core values.
- His departure marks a significant loss to The Hastings Center and the broader bioethics community.
Conclusions:
- Erik Parens's dual approach of scholarly writing and deep conversation has profoundly shaped bioethical discussions.
- His commitment to exploring core values has left a lasting legacy.
- The bioethics field will keenly feel the absence of his unique contributions and mentorship.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Epistasis Analysis
Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...
02:13The Representativeness Heuristic
The representative heuristic describes a biased way of thinking, in which you unintentionally stereotype someone or something. For example, you may assume that your professors spend their free time reading books and engaging in intellectual conversation, because the idea of them spending their time playing volleyball or visiting an amusement park does not fit in with your stereotypes of professors.
01:30Moment of a Couple: Problem Solving
The moment of couple is an essential concept in physics and engineering, used to calculate the rotational force, or torque, that is created when a couple —two equal and opposite forces—acts on an object.
The moment of a couple is found by multiplying the magnitude of one of the forces by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the two forces. This creates a twisting force, which can be used to rotate an object. The moment of a couple is used to solve problems involving balanced...
The moment of a couple is found by multiplying the magnitude of one of the forces by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the two forces. This creates a twisting force, which can be used to rotate an object. The moment of a couple is used to solve problems involving balanced...
01:25Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited therapeutic approach initially developed to treat depression. It integrates key concepts from psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, making it a uniquely eclectic framework. The therapy is rooted in the interpersonal theories of Adolph Meyer and Harry Stack Sullivan, as well as John Bowlby's attachment theory, and focuses on the interplay between interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.
01:25The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic
In order to make good decisions, we use our knowledge and our reasoning. Often, this knowledge and reasoning is sound and solid. However, sometimes, we are swayed by biases or by others manipulating a situation. For example, let’s say you and three friends wanted to rent a house and had a combined target budget of $1,600. The realtor shows you only very run-down houses for $1,600 and then shows you a very nice house for $2,000. Might you ask each person to pay more in rent to get the $2,000...
01:28Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Childhood
Erik Erikson, a stage theorist, adapted Freud's theory to emphasize social factors in personality development throughout life, a concept known as psychosocial development. Unlike Freud, who focused on early childhood, Erikson believed that personality evolves across eight life stages, each marked by a specific challenge or "crisis." Successful resolution of each stage fosters competence, while failure may lead to feelings of inadequacy.
The first four of Erikson's eight psychosocial stages...
The first four of Erikson's eight psychosocial stages...