Amazon.com
We stand at the edge, it seems, of a biotechnology revolution that may change society as fundamentally as has the information age. Philip Kitcher's The Lives to Come explains what biotechnology holds in store and grapples with the seemingly intractable moral and ethical questions that it raises: When should genetic screening be applied? When is abortion based on genetic information permissible? How should individuals' genetic makeup factor into their insurance eligibility? Kitcher is able to achieve a rare synthesis between lucid explanations of genetics as a science and expertly posed and argued questions that attempt to define its appropriate social context. He explains the numerous benefits that genetics proffers, but when it comes to addressing their impact he goes far beyond mere platitudes, thoughtfully weighing the alternatives and making concrete policy suggestions that address the fears--eugenics, economic stratification, privacy--that inevitably surround any discussion of the widespread applications of genetics.
From Publishers Weekly
Kitcher has written a searching, valuable guide to the immediate practical consequences and long-range implications of the new molecular genetics. The next decade, he predicts, will make possible hundreds, even thousands, of genetic tests to determine whether people carry genes that predispose them to various diseases or disabilities. He argues that the potential benefits of genetic testing must be carefully weighed against whether effective treatment exists. Stressing that gene replacement therapy is only one among many possible interventions, he foresees a patchwork of therapies, including dietary and environmental changes, to bring relief from hereditary disorders. A philosophy professor at UC San Diego, Kitcher believes that basic medical insurance should be available to everyone, yet he controversially suggests that insurers could demand higher premiums of those born with unlucky genes, provided that the difference in cost did not debar people from receiving coverage. He also wrestles thoughtfully with such issues as genetic screening of job applicants, whether the merciful abortion of a malformed fetus is morally justified and the use of DNA evidence in the courtroom.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
