Bioethics: An Introduction for the Biosciences

Bioethical issues remain front-page news, with debate continuing to rage over issues including genetic modification, animal cloning, and "designer babies." With public opinion often driven by media speculation, how can we ensure that informed decisions regarding key bioethical issues are made in a reasoned, objective way?

Ideal for students new to the subject, Bioethics: An Introduction for the Biosciences offers a balanced, objective introduction to the field. With a focus on developing powers of reasoning and judgment, the book presents different perspectives on common themes in an impartial way, thereby fostering debate and discussion. The opening section, "The Ethical Groundwork," introduces students to the nature of bioethics and ethical theory. The book goes on to cover a broad range of bioethical issues relating to people, animals, and food, before concluding with an overview of bioethics in practice.

Features:

* The broadest, most balanced textbook on bioethics available, offering students just the right mix of science and philosophy as well as a clear, objective introduction to the subject
* Presents different perspectives on common themes in order to encourage students to question, evaluate, and form their own opinions
* Incorporates many useful pedagogical tools including self-assessment questions, topics for discussion, and exercises
* Includes references for further reading and useful web sites
* A companion website offers resources for both students and instructors

Bioethical issues remain front-page news, with debate continuing to rage over issues including genetic modification, animal cloning, and "designer babies." With public opinion often driven by media speculation, how can we ensure that informed decisions regarding key bioethical issues are made in a reasoned, objective way?

Ideal for students new to the subject, Bioethics: An Introduction for the Biosciences offers a balanced, objective introduction to the field. With a focus on developing powers of reasoning and judgment, the book presents different perspectives on common themes in an impartial way, thereby fostering debate and discussion. The opening section, "The Ethical Groundwork," introduces students to the nature of bioethics and ethical theory. The book goes on to cover a broad range of bioethical issues relating to people, animals, and food, before concluding with an overview of bioethics in practice.

Features:

* The broadest, most balanced textbook on bioethics available, offering students just the right mix of science and philosophy as well as a clear, objective introduction to the subject
* Presents different perspectives on common themes in order to encourage students to question, evaluate, and form their own opinions
* Incorporates many useful pedagogical tools including self-assessment questions, topics for discussion, and exercises
* Includes references for further reading and useful web sites
* A companion website offers resources for both students and instructors

Ben Mepham is Special Professor in Applied Bioethics, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham and Visiting Professor in Bioethics, Department of Policy Studies, University of Lincoln, UK.