Challenging Genetic Determinism

Challenging Genetic Determinism PDF Author: Louis Maheu
Publisher: McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
ISBN: 0773586547
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
Advances in genetic research have captured the attention of the media and the public through reports about genetically caused diseases and behaviours. However, all too often the coverage of scientists' innovations has implied that genetic factors alone are responsible for effects ranging from personality and sexual preferences to morbid obesity and intellectual disabilities. Challenging Genetic Determinism argues that hypotheses cannot be based solely on genetic factors but must take into account the context in which these factors occur.

Challenging Genetic Determinism

Challenging Genetic Determinism PDF Author: Louis Maheu
Publisher: McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
ISBN: 0773586547
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 344

Get Book

Book Description
Advances in genetic research have captured the attention of the media and the public through reports about genetically caused diseases and behaviours. However, all too often the coverage of scientists' innovations has implied that genetic factors alone are responsible for effects ranging from personality and sexual preferences to morbid obesity and intellectual disabilities. Challenging Genetic Determinism argues that hypotheses cannot be based solely on genetic factors but must take into account the context in which these factors occur.

Genes, Determinism and God

Genes, Determinism and God PDF Author: Denis Alexander
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108509487
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Over the past centuries the pendulum has constantly swung between an emphasis on the role of either nature or nurture in shaping human destiny, a pendulum often energised by ideological considerations. In recent decades the flourishing of developmental biology, genomics, epigenetics and our increased understanding of neuronal plasticity have all helped to subvert such dichotomous notions. Nevertheless, the media still report the discovery of a gene 'for' this or that behaviour, and the field of behavioural genetics continues to extend its reach into the social sciences, reporting the heritability of such human traits as religiosity and political affiliation. There are many continuing challenges to notions of human freedom and moral responsibility, with consequent implications for social flourishing, the legal system and religious beliefs. In this book, Denis Alexander critically examines these challenges, concluding that genuine free will, often influenced by genetic variation, emerges from an integrated view of human personhood derived from contemporary biology.

Ethical Challenges in Genomics Research

Ethical Challenges in Genomics Research PDF Author: Paula Boddington
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642236987
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
New developments in science and technology have resulted in shifting ethical challenges in many areas including in genomics research. This book enables those who are involved in genomics research, whether as researcher, participant or policy maker, to understand the ethical issues currently developing in this field and to participate actively in these important debates. A clear account is given of how science and technology are outstripping the capacity of previous ethical regulations to cope with current issues, together with practical illustrations of possible ways forward. Key ethical ideas are presented, drawing on the history of research regulation and on an account of the particular challenges arising in the field of genomics. The book uses a grounded, practical approach to explaining ethical concepts and issues which is geared to enhancing interdisciplinary dialogue. Its broad approach to ethical issues includes relevant considerations from social psychology and there is a particular emphasis on understanding the problems of ethical regulations and practice in the institutional and social context of research. A glossary and numerous text boxes explaining relevant terms and key ideas help to make the work an invaluable resource for both beginners and experts in the field.

Gene Therapy: Prospective Technology assessment in its societal context

Gene Therapy: Prospective Technology assessment in its societal context PDF Author: Jörg Niewöhner
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 9780080470931
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
This book presents work that has been conducted as part of the research project "Discourse on ethical questions of biomedicine" of the interdisciplinary Working Group Bioethics and Science Communication at the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC)in Berlin-Buch, Germany. This book offers ground-breaking ideas on how the daily interworking of cutting-edge biomedical research assess the broader social context and its communication to stakeholders and the public. Editors cover three aspects: Scientific, Ethical and Legal, and Perception and Communication. This work establishes an international and interdisciplinary network of excellent researchers at the beginning of their careers, who brilliantly integrate their work into the different perspectives on gene therapy from the natural and social sciences, as well as the humanities and law. * Discusses biological and cellular barriers limiting the clinical application of nonviral gene delivery systems * Addresses such questions as: Does patent granting hinder the development of Gene Therapy products? * Offers insight in the future of public perception of gene therapy in Europe * Provides details on how to communicate risks in gene therapy

Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics

Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics PDF Author: William S. Yackinous
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128020636
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics: A Systems and Engineering Perspective takes a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective on complex system dynamics, beginning with a discussion of relevant systems and engineering skills and practices, including an explanation of the systems approach and its major elements. From this perspective, the author formulates an ecosystem dynamics functionality-based framework to guide ecological investigations. Next, because complex system theory (across many subject matter areas) is crucial to the work of this book, relevant network theory, nonlinear dynamics theory, cellular automata theory, and roughness (fractal) theory is covered in some detail. This material serves as an important resource as the book proceeds. In the context of all of the foregoing discussion and investigation, a view of the characteristics of ecological network dynamics is constructed. This view, in turn, is the basis for the central hypothesis of the book, i.e., ecological networks are ever-changing networks with propagation dynamics that are punctuated, local-to-global, and perhaps most importantly fractal. To analyze and fully test this hypothesis, an innovative ecological network dynamics model is defined, designed, and developed. The modeling approach, which seeks to emulate features of real-world ecological networks, does not make a priori assumptions about ecological network dynamics, but rather lets the dynamics develop as the model simulation runs. Model analysis results corroborate the central hypothesis. Additional important insights and principles are suggested by the model analysis results and by the other supporting investigations of this book – and can serve as a basis for going-forward complex system dynamics research, not only for ecological systems but for complex systems in general. Provides a fresh interdisciplinary perspective, offers a broad integrated development, and contains many new ideas Clearly explains the elements of the systems approach and applies them throughout the book Takes on the challenging and open issues of complex system network dynamics Develops and utilizes a new, innovative ecosystem dynamics modeling approach Contains over 135 graphic illustrations to help the reader visualize and understand important concepts

Is Nature Ever Evil?

Is Nature Ever Evil? PDF Author: Willem B. Drees
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 0415290600
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 359

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Book Description
Is Nature Ever Evil?, considers the different ways in which reality is understood between the disciplines of ethics, religion and science focusing on the ethical evaluation of nature itself.

The Enigma of the Genome: Discoveries and Challenges in the Age of Genetics

The Enigma of the Genome: Discoveries and Challenges in the Age of Genetics PDF Author: Edenilson Brandl
Publisher: Edenilson Brandl
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 438

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Book Description
Genetics is a fascinating field that has revolutionized medicine in recent years. With advances in technology and a growing understanding of the influence of genes on our health, personalized medicine has become an exciting reality. Based on each person's individual genetic characteristics, we can now develop precise and personalized therapeutic approaches, paving the way for a new era of medicine. This book is a journey through the intersection of genetics and personalized medicine, exploring the applications of genetics in a variety of medical areas. From genetic diseases of the urinary system to psychiatric disorders, to diseases of the digestive system and much more, each chapter addresses a specific condition, highlighting recent advances, challenges faced and hopes for the future. Genetics plays a key role in understanding diseases and in the search for more effective treatments. Through genetic studies and the analysis of genomic information, researchers are unlocking the secrets that our genes keep and identifying genetic variants associated with different health conditions. This allows us to predict risks, make more accurate diagnoses and offer personalized treatments tailored to each patient's individual needs. Throughout this book, we'll explore the foundations of genetics, delve into the complexities of personalized medicine, and examine the ethical and social implications of these advances. We will also discuss the exciting possibilities of gene therapy, which seeks to correct harmful genetic mutations and open up new avenues for treating genetic diseases. As we delve into this fascinating universe of genetics and personalized medicine, it's important to remember that genetics is not an absolute determinant of our health. Environmental factors, lifestyle and complex interactions between genes and environment also play important roles. Genetics is just one piece of the puzzle, but a critical one that helps us better understand health and disease. I invite you to embark on this exciting journey, exploring advances in genetics and personalized medicine. I hope this book will be a source of knowledge and inspiration, allowing you to better understand the applications of genetics in human health and envision the promising future of personalized medicine.

Critical Legal Theory and the Challenge of Feminism

Critical Legal Theory and the Challenge of Feminism PDF Author: Matthew H. Kramer
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780847679881
Category : Critical legal studies
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description


Epigenetics

Epigenetics PDF Author: Reinhard Heil
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3658144602
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
Modern epigenetics unites scientists from life sciences, organic chemistry as well as computer and engineering sciences to find an answer to the question of how environmental influences can have a lasting effect on gene expression, maybe even into the next generations. This volume examines from an interdisciplinary perspective the ethical, legal and social aspects of epigenetics.

Television and the Genetic Imaginary

Television and the Genetic Imaginary PDF Author: Sofia Bull
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137548479
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 239

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Book Description
This book examines the complex ways in which television articulates ideas about DNA in the early 21st century. Considering television’s distinct aesthetic and narrative forms, as well as its specific cultural roles, it identifies TV as a key site for the genetic imaginary. The book addresses the key themes of complexity and kinship, which function as nodes around which older essentialist notions about the human genome clash with newly emergent post-genomic sensibilities. Analysing a wide range of US and UK programmes, from science documentaries, science fiction serials and crime procedurals, to family history programmes, sitcoms and reality shows, Television and the Genetic Imaginary illustrates the extent to which molecular frameworks of understanding now permeate popular culture.