'It's all in the genes'. Is this true, and if so, what is all in the genes? Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is a crystal clear and highly informative guide to a debate none of us can afford to ignore. Beginning with a much-needed overview of the relationship between science and technology, Gordon Graham lucidly explains and assesses the most important and controversial aspects of the genes debate: Darwinian theory and its critics, the idea of the 'selfish' gene, evolutionary psychology, memes, genetic screening and modification, including the risks of cloning and 'designer' babies. He also considers areas often left out of the debate over genes, such as the environmental risks of genetic engineering and how we should we think about genes in the wider context of debates over science, knowledge and religion. Gordon Graham asks whether genetic engineering might be introducing God back into the debate and whether the risks of a brave new genetic world outweigh the potential benefits. Essential reading for anyone interested in science, technology, and philosophy, Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is ideal for those wanting to find out more about the ethical implications of genetics and the future of biotechnology. Key points include: *First book on genes to draw together 3 areas normally held apart: science, technology, Darwinian theory. *Many of the crop of genes books keep you in the lab-this takes you out into the world e.g. Harris has nothing on Darwinism *Annotated further reading v helpful
'It's all in the genes'. Is this true, and if so, what is all in the genes? Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is a crystal clear and highly informative guide to a debate none of us can afford to ignore. Beginning with a much-needed overview of the relationship between science and technology, Gordon Graham lucidly explains and assesses the most important and controversial aspects of the genes debate: Darwinian theory and its critics, the idea of the 'selfish' gene, evolutionary psychology, memes, genetic screening and modification, including the risks of cloning and 'designer' babies. He also considers areas often left out of the debate over genes, such as the environmental risks of genetic engineering and how we should we think about genes in the wider context of debates over science, knowledge and religion. Gordon Graham asks whether genetic engineering might be introducing God back into the debate and whether the risks of a brave new genetic world outweigh the potential benefits. Essential reading for anyone interested in science, technology, and philosophy, Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is ideal for those wanting to find out more about the ethical implications of genetics and the future of biotechnology. Key points include: *First book on genes to draw together 3 areas normally held apart: science, technology, Darwinian theory. *Many of the crop of genes books keep you in the lab-this takes you out into the world e.g. Harris has nothing on Darwinism *Annotated further reading v helpful
Preface 1. Science and the Self-image of
society Icon and understanding - the fractured image:
Einstein vs Frankenstein - science - technology - anti-science -
explaining things - engineering things - 'pure' and 'applied'
2. Genetic Explanation Evolution and creationism -
natural selection and 'the selfish gene' - survival of the fittest
- altruism, homosexuality and sterility - irreducible complexity
and the biochemical - sociobiology and evolutionary psychology -
memetics
3. Genetic Engineering Genetic screening - genetic
information - genetic modification - environmentalism - the
precautionary principle - genetic research - the 'slippery slope'
and the 'sanctity of life'
4. Playing God Secular versions of the sacred -
genetic trespassing -rights and equality - human cloning -
reproductive technologies - designer babies - procreative
responsibility and the ethics of abortion - 'playing God' without
God
Gordon Graham is Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen and Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Philosophy, Technology and Science. He is also the author of Philosophy of the Arts (Routledge 1997) and The Shape of the Past (Oxford University Press 1997)
'Gordon Grham brings his philosophical acumen to bear on the complex questions surrounding public debate on genes and gentetics.' - Network
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