From chance to choice : genetics and justice

Description

Written by four internationally renowned bioethicists, From Chance to Choice is the first systematic treatment of the fundamental ethical issues underlying the application of genetic technologies to human beings. Probing the implications of the remarkable advances in genetics, the authors ask how should these affect our understanding of distributive justice, equality of opportunity, the rights and obligations as parents, the meaning of disability, and the role of the concept of human nature in ethical theory and practice. The book offers a historical context to contemporary debate over the use of these technologies by examining the eugenics movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, appendices explain the nature of genetic causation, gene-environment interaction, and expose widespread misconceptions of genetic determinism, as well as outlining the nature of the ethical analysis used in the book. The questions raised in this book will be of interest to any reflective reader concerned about science and society and the rapid development of biotechnology, as well as to professionals in such areas as philosophy, bioethics, medical ethics, health management, law, and political science ''This book probes the implications of advances in genetics. The authors ask how they should affect our understanding of distributive justice, equality in opportunity, the rights and obligations as parents, the meaning of disability, and the role of the concept of human nature in ethical theory and practice.'' ''The book offers a historical context to contemporary debate over the use of these technologies by providing an ethical autopsy of mankind's first attempts to use the scientific knowledge of heredity to improve human lives: the eugenics movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Appendices explain the nature of genetic causation and gene-environment interaction, and expose widespread misconceptions of genetic determinism, as well as outline the nature of the ethical analysis used in the book.'' ''The questions raised in this book will be of interest to any reflective reader concerned about science and society and the rapid development of biotechnology, as well as to professionals in such areas as philosophy, bioethics, medical ethics, health management, law, and political science.''--Jacket.  Read more... Introduction -- Eugenics and its shadow -- Genes, justice, and human nature -- Positive and negative genetic interventions -- Reproductive freedom and the prevention of harm -- Why not the best? -- Genetic intervention and the morality of inclusion -- Policy implications -- Appendix 1. The meaning of genetic causation, by Elliott Sober -- Appendix 2. Methodology -- References