Improving Nature?: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering

Improving Nature?: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering

by Michael Jonathan Reiss (Author), Roger Straughan (Author)

Synopsis

Over the past decade, discussions about genetic engineering have spread from research laboratories to the national news. Indeed, as technology rapidly advances, genetic engineering is becoming one of the most-talked-about issues of our time. Supporters and opponents of genetic engineering agree that it has the potential to change our lives more than any other technological advance. The authors of this timely book, a biologist and a philosopher, combine their considerable expertise to examine the implications of genetic engineering for the future of our everyday lives. Written in a clear, nontechnical style, this book delves thoroughly into the biological and ethical considerations we must confront in the face of genetic engineering technology. In every chapter, the authors tackle hot-button issues such as the possible consequences of genetic engineering of plants, animals, and humans, and the justification for improving upon nature. Readers of Improving Nature? will emerge soundly informed of the issue of genetic engineering and fascinated by its possibilities.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 298
Edition: New e.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 13 Mar 1998

ISBN 10: 0521637546
ISBN 13: 9780521637541
Book Overview: A balanced and readable account of both the science and ethics of genetic engineering.

Media Reviews
'Seldom have I met a book that is such a pleasure to read ... there is great value in having this kind of cooperation between a biologist and a moral philosopher.' The Expository Times
'In uniting the talents of a philosopher and biologist/theologian it becomes possible to begin to penetrate the otherwise imponderable questions which the subject area of genetic engineering presents. Reiss and Straughan do a fine job at getting to grips with the elucidation and presentation of the contentious issues ... Because of its excellent treatment of the subject, I am sure that this text will find its way into both the general market as well as the more specific area where texts are required for courses in Science and Engineering Ethics.' Science and Engineering Ethics
'The book is certainly accessible to sixth-formers and is an excellent complement to Susan Aldridge's recent primer on genetic engineering, The Thread of Life, from the same publisher.' Jon Turney, Journal of Biological Education
'... excellent treatment of the subject.' Raymond Spier, Science and Engineering Ethics
'... offers a useful discussion of ethical issues for a lay audience.' New Scientist
'... excellent treatment of the subject.' Science and Engineering Ethics
'... should be welcomed by both scientists and non-scientists concerned with biotechnlogy.' The Splice of Life
'Improving Nature should be welcomed by both scientists and non-scientists concerned with biotechnlogy.' Tom Wakeford, The Splice of Life
'Improving Nature? The Science of Ethics and Genetical Engineering offers a useful discussion of ethical issues for a lay audience.' Simon Joss, New Scientist
'... enlightening, free from excessive jargon, and relatively accessible to non-scientists and non-philosophers.' Emy Lucassen, Journal of Biological Education
'The great value of this book is in its presentation of both sides of the argument in clear, unemotive language, and then the explanation of the valid and invalid points on each side. It does not attempt to draw conclusions, but rather leaves the reader to judge the relative merit of the arguments and decide for themselves.' Letitia Silberbauer, The Victorian Naturalist