Modern life gives us much to be grateful for -- from the comforts and conveniences of cars, running water, and the Internet, to the great medical advances that relieve pain and save lives. But the present age is also one of proliferating weapons of mass destruction, worries about energy scarcity, endless frivolous entertainments, widespread anti-depressant prescriptions, and medical research that destroys nascent human life.

Gratitude and terror, endless improvements and looming disaster -- this is the paradox of progress, seen in its starkest form. In the Shadow of Progress, the new book by EPPC Fellow Eric Cohen, is a deep and lively reflection on the moral challenges of the technological age.

Presenting his new book during an evening discussion at EPPC, Mr. Cohen surveyed the political and ethical implications of modern science and technology. He was joined by William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, and William Saletan, national correspondent for Slate. Leon R. Kass of the University of Chicago and the American Enterprise Institute moderated.