| Altering Nature: Volume I: Concepts of 'Nature' and 'The Natural' in Biotechnology Debates 2008 Edition Contributor(s): Lustig, B. a. (Editor), Brody, B. a. (Editor), McKenny, Gerald P. (Editor) |
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ISBN: 1402069200 ISBN-13: 9781402069208 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $161.49 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: September 2008 Annotation: This volume analyzes concepts of nature and a ~the naturala (TM) in discussions of biotechnology with four broad concerns in mind. First, it surveys the recent history of biotechnology debates and identifies characteristic reactions and approaches to new biotechnological developments that invoke appeals to nature. Second, it analyzes concepts of nature and a ~the naturala (TM) as they are invoked and interpreted in five characteristic modes of discourse; viz., spirituality and religion, philosophy, science and medicine, law and economics, and aesthetics. Third, it identifies a core cluster of ontological, epistemological, moral, and aesthetic questions that arise in conversations about nature as normative. Fourth, it highlights the findings of each of the five chapters, identifies areas of contrast and commonality, and identifies areas for further research. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Mind & Body - Philosophy | Movements - Humanism - Science | Philosophy & Social Aspects |
| Dewey: 113 |
| Series: Philosophy and Medicine |
| Physical Information: 0.81" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.45 lbs) 332 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: B. Andrew Lustig, Baruch A. Brody, and Gerald P. McKenny Nearly every week the general public is treated to an announcement of another actual or potential "breakthrough" in biotechnology. Headlines trumpet advances in assisted reproduction, current or prospective experiments in cloning, and devel- ments in regenerative medicine, stem cell technologies, and tissue engineering. Scientific and popular accounts explore the perils and the possibilities of enhancing human capacities by computer-based, biomolecular, or mechanical means through advances in artificial intelligence, genetics, and nanotechnology. Reports abound concerning ever more sophisticated genetic techniques being introduced into ag- culture and animal husbandry, as well as efforts to enhance and protect biodiversity. Given the pace of such developments, many insightful commentators have proclaimed the 21st century as the "biotechnology century. " Despite a significant literature on the morality of these particular advances in biotechnology, deeper ethical analysis has often been lacking. Our preliminary review of that literature suggested that current discussions of normative issues in biotechnology have suffered from two major deficiencies. First, the discussions have been too often piecemeal in character, limited to after-the-fact analyses of particular issues that provoked the debate, and unconnected to larger concepts and themes. Second, a crucial missing element of those discussions has been the failure to reflect explicitly on the diverse disciplinary conceptions of nature and the natural that shape moral judgments about the legitimacy of specific forms of research and their applications. |