Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry: A Philosophical Inquiry

ISBN-13: 9780415252584 / Angielski / Miękka / 2002 / 208 str.

Gordon Graham

Opis

It's all in the genes. Is this true, and if so, what is all in the genes? Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is an informative guide to this debtable topic. Beginning with an 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.

Recenzje

'Gordon Grham brings his philosophical acumen to bear on the complex questions surrounding public debate on genes and gentetics.' - Network

Spis treści

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

O autorze

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)