Biotechnology and the Human Good

Biotechnology and the Human Good PDF Author: C. Ben Mitchell
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
ISBN: 9781589012769
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
Some of humankind's greatest tools have been forged in the research laboratory. Who could argue that medical advances like antibiotics, blood transfusions, and pacemakers have not improved the quality of people's lives? But with each new technological breakthrough there comes an array of consequences, at once predicted and unpredictable, beneficial and hazardous. Outcry over recent developments in the reproductive and genetic sciences has revealed deep fissures in society's perception of biotechnical progress. Many are concerned that reckless technological development, driven by consumerist impulses and greedy entrepreneurialism, has the potential to radically shift the human condition—and not for the greater good. Biotechnology and the Human Good builds a case for a stewardship deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian theism to responsibly interpret and assess new technologies in a way that answers this concern. The authors jointly recognize humans not as autonomous beings but as ones accountable to each other, to the world they live in, and to God. They argue that to question and critique how fields like cybernetics, nanotechnology, and genetics might affect our future is not anti-science, anti-industry, or anti-progress, but rather a way to promote human flourishing, common sense, and good stewardship. A synthetic work drawing on the thought of a physician, ethicists, and a theologian, Biotechnology and the Human Good reminds us that although technology is a powerful and often awe-inspiring tool, it is what lies in the heart and soul of who wields this tool that truly makes the difference in our world.

Biotechnology and the Human Good

Biotechnology and the Human Good PDF Author: C. Ben Mitchell
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
ISBN: 9781589012769
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 228

Get Book

Book Description
Some of humankind's greatest tools have been forged in the research laboratory. Who could argue that medical advances like antibiotics, blood transfusions, and pacemakers have not improved the quality of people's lives? But with each new technological breakthrough there comes an array of consequences, at once predicted and unpredictable, beneficial and hazardous. Outcry over recent developments in the reproductive and genetic sciences has revealed deep fissures in society's perception of biotechnical progress. Many are concerned that reckless technological development, driven by consumerist impulses and greedy entrepreneurialism, has the potential to radically shift the human condition—and not for the greater good. Biotechnology and the Human Good builds a case for a stewardship deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian theism to responsibly interpret and assess new technologies in a way that answers this concern. The authors jointly recognize humans not as autonomous beings but as ones accountable to each other, to the world they live in, and to God. They argue that to question and critique how fields like cybernetics, nanotechnology, and genetics might affect our future is not anti-science, anti-industry, or anti-progress, but rather a way to promote human flourishing, common sense, and good stewardship. A synthetic work drawing on the thought of a physician, ethicists, and a theologian, Biotechnology and the Human Good reminds us that although technology is a powerful and often awe-inspiring tool, it is what lies in the heart and soul of who wields this tool that truly makes the difference in our world.

Biotechnology and the Human Good

Biotechnology and the Human Good PDF Author: C. Ben Mitchell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781435627383
Category : Biotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Some of humankind's greatest tools have been forged in the research laboratory. Who could argue that medical advances like antibiotics, blood transfusions, and pacemakers have not improved the quality of people's lives? But with each new technological breakthrough there comes an array of consequences, at once predicted and unpredictable, beneficial and hazardous. Outcry over recent developments in the reproductive and genetic sciences has revealed deep fissures in society's perception of biotechnical progress. Many are concerned that reckless technological development, driven by consumerist impulses and greedy entrepreneurialism, has the potential to radically shift the human condition -- and not for the greater good. "Biotechnology and the Human Good" builds a case for a stewardship deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian theism to responsibly interpret and assess new technologies in a way that answers this concern. The authors jointly recognize humans not as autonomous beings but as ones accountable to each other, to the world they live in, and to God. They argue that to question and critique how fields like cybernetics, nanotechnology, and genetics might affect our future is not anti-science, anti-industry, or anti-progress, but rather a way to promote human flourishing, common sense, and good stewardship. A synthetic work drawing on the thought of a physician, ethicists, and a theologian, "Biotechnology and the Human Good" reminds us that although technology is a powerful and often awe-inspiring tool, it is what lies in the heart and soul of who wields this tool that truly makes the difference in our world.

Biotechnology, Human Nature, and Christian Ethics

Biotechnology, Human Nature, and Christian Ethics PDF Author: Gerald McKenny
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108422802
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 237

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Book Description
It is a comprehensive and critical study of the normative status of human nature in biotechnology from a Christian perspective.

Ethical Issues in Biotechnology

Ethical Issues in Biotechnology PDF Author: Richard Sherlock
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780742513778
Category : Bioethics
Languages : en
Pages : 668

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Book Description
Visit our website for sample chapters!

Biotechnology

Biotechnology PDF Author: Sean D. Sutton
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 1438426607
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 211

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Book Description
Considers the ethics and challenges of biotechnology.

The Case against Perfection

The Case against Perfection PDF Author: Michael J Sandel
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674043065
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 177

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Book Description
Breakthroughs in genetics present us with a promise and a predicament. The promise is that we will soon be able to treat and prevent a host of debilitating diseases. The predicament is that our newfound genetic knowledge may enable us to manipulate our nature—to enhance our genetic traits and those of our children. Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate why. What is wrong with re-engineering our nature? The Case against Perfection explores these and other moral quandaries connected with the quest to perfect ourselves and our children. Michael Sandel argues that the pursuit of perfection is flawed for reasons that go beyond safety and fairness. The drive to enhance human nature through genetic technologies is objectionable because it represents a bid for mastery and dominion that fails to appreciate the gifted character of human powers and achievements. Carrying us beyond familiar terms of political discourse, this book contends that the genetic revolution will change the way philosophers discuss ethics and will force spiritual questions back onto the political agenda. In order to grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions largely lost from view in the modern world. Since these questions verge on theology, modern philosophers and political theorists tend to shrink from them. But our new powers of biotechnology make these questions unavoidable. Addressing them is the task of this book, by one of America’s preeminent moral and political thinkers.

An Introduction to Ethical, Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology

An Introduction to Ethical, Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology PDF Author: Padma Nambisan
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128092513
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description
An Introduction to Ethical, Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology provides a comprehensive look at the biggest technologies that have revolutionized biology since the early 20th century, also discussing their impact on society. The book focuses on issues related to bioethics, biosafety and intellectual property rights, and is written in an easy-to-understand manner for graduate students and early career researchers interested in the opportunities and challenges associated with advances in biotechnology. Important topics covered include the Human Genome Project, human cloning, rDNA technology, the 3Rs and animal welfare, bioterrorism, human rights and genetic discrimination, good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, the protection of biological material and much more. Full of relevant case studies, practical examples, weblinks and resources for further reading, this book offers an essential and holistic look at the ways in which biotechnology has affected our global society. Provides a comprehensive look at the ethical, legal and social implications of biotechnology Discusses the global efforts made to resolve issues Incorporates numerous case studies to more clearly convey concepts and chart the development of guidelines and legislation regulating issues in biotechnology Takes a straightforward approach to highlight and discuss both the benefits and risks associated with the latest biotechnologies

Wonderwoman and Superman

Wonderwoman and Superman PDF Author: John Harris
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
Should we engineer changes in human beings? Ought we to use the human organism as a cell or organ bank to provide 'spare parts'? Is it wrong to buy or sell human tissue? Should we experiment on human embryos or children? We are on the brink of a revolution with far reaching implications. The revolution in molecular biology will give us the ability to divert and control human evolution to an unprecedented extent. It will enable us to manufacture new life forms to order, and to make radical changes to human beings and human nature itself. In Wonderwoman and Superman John Harris argues that the decision before us now is not whether to use this power but how and to what extent. To try to ignore or reject the advances in human biotechnology would be futile, and might lead to an immense amount of avoidable suffering. There is no safe path, however, and more positive interventions may also lead to considerable harm. What we must do is learn to choose responsibly, and this important book is about the ethics of the choices that confront us.

Beyond Therapy

Beyond Therapy PDF Author: President's Council on Bioethics (U.S.)
Publisher: Harper Perennial
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
explores the profound ethical and social consequences of today's biotechnical revolution. Almost every week brings news of novel methods for screening genes and testing embryos, choosing the sex and modifying the behavior of children, enhancing athletic performance, slowing aging, blunting painful memories, brightening mood, and altering basic temperaments. But we must not neglect the fundamental question: Should we be turning to biotechnology to fulfill our deepest human desires? We want better children -- but not by turning procreation into manufacture or by altering their brains to gain them an edge over their peers. We want to perform better in the activities of life -- but not by becoming mere creatures of chemistry. We want longer lives -- but not at the cost of becoming so obsessed with our own longevity that we care little about future generations. We want to be happy --

Our Posthuman Future

Our Posthuman Future PDF Author: Francis Fukuyama
Publisher: Profile Books
ISBN: 1847653707
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Is a baby whose personality has been chosen from a gene supermarket still a human? If we choose what we create what happens to morality? Is this the end of human nature? The dramatic advances in DNA technology over the last few years are the stuff of science fiction. It is now not only possible to clone human beings it is happening. For the first time since the creation of the earth four billion years ago, or the emergence of mankind 10 million years ago, people will be able to choose their children's' sex, height, colour, personality traits and intelligence. It will even be possible to create 'superhumans' by mixing human genes with those of other animals for extra strength or longevity. But is this desirable? What are the moral and political consequences? Will it mean anything to talk about 'human nature' any more? Is this the end of human beings? Our Posthuman Future is a passionate analysis of the greatest political and moral problem ever to face the human race.