The Remote Body in Medicine: Touch and Telepresence on a Hospital Ward

October 23, 2023 -
12:00pm to 1:30pm

Luna Dolezal, PhD
Professor of Philosophy and Medical Humanities
University of Exeter

Abstract: In this talk, Dr. Dolezal will consider a particular case of telemedicine involving a clinician-operated telepresence robot with haptic capabilities (i.e., it can sense physical touch), developed by an Edinburgh-based robotics company, Touchlab. The robot is currently being tested in Laakso Hospital, Helsinki, to deliver face-to-face care to older adults. Dr. Dolezal will discuss the phenomenology of the remote body for the clinician operating the robot, and will explore the delivery of care at a distance and mediated via a technological avatar. She will also consider questions of intercorporeality and affect for the patient receiving care.

SHRS Bioethics and Health Humanities Series, co-sponsored by the Center for Bioethics & Health Law

Catalog of Opportunities Event

Location and Address

Room 6012, Forbes Tower