Ethics of Inheritable Genetic Modification: A Dividing Line?
John E. J. Rasko (Editor), Rachel A. Ankeny (Editor), Gabrielle M. O'SullivanBooks.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
These provicative questions, and their possible answers from biomedical science, ethics, sociology and philosophy, are the subject of this searching investigation. In seeking to establish whether inheritable genetic modification is the new dividing line in gene therapy, the editors, themselves representing clinical medicine, public health and biomedical ethics, have brought together a distinguished team of scientists and scholars to address the issues from the perspectives of biological and social science, law and ethics. Their purpose is to consider how society might deal with the ethical concerns raised by inheritable genetic modification, and to re-examine prevailing views about whether these kinds of interventions will ever be ethically and socially justifiable. The book also provides background to define the field, and discusses the biological and technological potential for inheritable genetic modification, its limitations, and its connection with gene therapy, cloning and other reproductive interventions.For scientists, bioethicists, clinicians, counsellors and public commentators, this is an essential contribution to one of the critical debates in current genetics.
Synopsis
An essential contribution to one of the critical debates in current genetics.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Lisa M Gehrke, JD, MA(Gehrke & Associates, SC)
Description:The editors provide a thought-provoking collection of articles addressing the ethical, scientific, philosophical, and sociological issues arising out of research involving the modification of inheritable genetic information. It challenges readers to consider the topic from multiple, and often opposing, perspectives.
Purpose:This book poses the question of whether the modification of inheritable genetic traits is, or should be, the new dividing line in gene therapy. In response to the question, the editors present an extraordinary compilation of articles which thoughtfully and accurately represent the variety of viewpoints on the issue.
Audience:According to the editors, this book is written for scientists, clinicians, bioethicists, attorneys, or anyone interested in public policy and debate regarding biotechnology and genetic research. They have succeeded in providing a well reasoned and authoritative collection of articles which will be of benefit to anyone interested in the field.
Features:This book examines ethical considerations in research involving the modification of inheritable genetic information from several points of view including those of scientists, bioethicists, clinicians, philosophers, social workers, and public policy advocates. In their selections, the editors demonstrate the broad and divergent scope of opinions on this issue.
Assessment:I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the ethical issues raised by gene therapy and genetic modification. The articles provide an excellent sampling of the issues raised by the research and possible solutions or points of concern.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Lisa M Gehrke, JD, MA(Gehrke & Associates, SC)Description: The editors provide a thought-provoking collection of articles addressing the ethical, scientific, philosophical, and sociological issues arising out of research involving the modification of inheritable genetic information. It challenges readers to consider the topic from multiple, and often opposing, perspectives.
Purpose: This book poses the question of whether the modification of inheritable genetic traits is, or should be, the new dividing line in gene therapy. In response to the question, the editors present an extraordinary compilation of articles which thoughtfully and accurately represent the variety of viewpoints on the issue.
Audience: According to the editors, this book is written for scientists, clinicians, bioethicists, attorneys, or anyone interested in public policy and debate regarding biotechnology and genetic research. They have succeeded in providing a well reasoned and authoritative collection of articles which will be of benefit to anyone interested in the field.
Features: This book examines ethical considerations in research involving the modification of inheritable genetic information from several points of view including those of scientists, bioethicists, clinicians, philosophers, social workers, and public policy advocates. In their selections, the editors demonstrate the broad and divergent scope of opinions on this issue.
Assessment: I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the ethical issues raised by gene therapy and genetic modification. The articles provide an excellent sampling of the issues raised by the research and possible solutions or points of concern.