The Ethics of Genetic Engineering (Routledge Annals of Bioethics)

Berry, Roberta M. (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA)

ISBN 10: 0415769949 / ISBN 13: 9780415769945

Published by Routledge, 2007

About this Item

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Seller Inventory # 112497

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Ethics of Genetic Engineering (Routledge Annals of Bioethics)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415769949
• ISBN 13: 9780415769945
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1.
• Condition: As New
• Weight: 533 grams
• Signed: nein
• Seller catalogs:
  • Englische Bücher
  • Medizin

About this title

Synopsis

Human genetic engineering may soon be possible. The gathering debate about this prospect already threatens to become mired in irresolvable disagreement. After surveying the scientific and technological developments that have brought us to this pass, The Ethics of Genetic Engineering focuses on the ethical and policy debate, noting the deep divide that separates proponents and opponents. The book locates the source of this divide in differing framing assumptions: reductionist pluralist on one side, holist communitarian on the other. The book argues that we must bridge this divide, drawing on the resources from both encampments, if we are to understand and cope with the distinctive problems posed by genetic engineering. These problems, termed "fractious problems," are novel, complex, ethically fraught, unavoidably of public concern, and unavoidably divisive. Berry examines three prominent ethical and political theories – utilitarianism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics – to consider their competency in bridging the divide and addressing these fractious problems.

The book concludes that virtue ethics can best guide parental decision making and that a new policymaking approach sketched here, a "navigational approach," can best guide policymaking. These approaches enable us to gain a rich understanding of the problems posed and to craft resolutions adequate to their challenges.

About the Author

Roberta M. Berry is Associate Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Law, Science and Technology Program at Georgia Institute of Techology, USA.