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Overview'It's all in the genes'. Is this true, and if so, what is all in the genes? Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is a crystal clear and highly informative guide to a debate none of us can afford to ignore. Beginning with a much-needed 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. Essential reading for anyone interested in science, technology, and philosophy, Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is ideal for those wanting to find out more about the ethical implications of genetics and the future of biotechnology. Key points include: *First book on genes to draw together 3 areas normally held apart: science, technology, Darwinian theory. *Many of the crop of genes books keep you in the lab-this takes you out into the world e.g. Harris has nothing on Darwinism *Annotated further reading v helpful Full Product DetailsAuthor: Gordon GrahamPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd Imprint: Routledge Dimensions: Width: 12.90cm , Height: 1.70cm , Length: 19.80cm Weight: 0.380kg ISBN: 9780415252584ISBN 10: 041525258 Pages: 208 Publication Date: 12 August 2002 Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General , Undergraduate Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsReviews... clear-headed, intricate and seductive arguments. Scientists and laypersons alike will find something within them to disagree with. But I'm equally sure that they'll be forced to reassess either some of their faith in, or fear of, genetic science. - Independent on Sunday ... an excellent, readable and lively 'take' from the viewpoint of a moral philosopher ... I think Graham's book will greatly help to clarify the minds of many people who are confused by the media's approach, especially television, that often presents a kaleidoscope of different opinions. -Dr. David Galton, author of In Our Own Image Clear and level-headed . . . he has a lot of interesting and provocative things to say about both genetic science and genetic engineering. In particular, he has provided as clear and compelling an account of what is meant by playing God, and what is wrong with playing God, as I have seen. -Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool A provocative and always interesting addition to the literature on genetics. -Arlene Judith Klotzko, Writer in Residence, Science Museum ... clear-headed, intricate and seductive arguments. Scientists and laypersons alike will find something within them to disagree with. But I'm equally sure that they'll be forced to reassess either some of their faith in, or fear of, genetic science. - Independent on Sunday ... an excellent, readable and lively 'take' from the viewpoint of a moral philosopher ... I think Graham's book will greatly help to clarify the minds of many people who are confused by the media's approach, especially television, that often presents a kaleidoscope of different opinions. -Dr. David Galton, author of In Our Own Image Clear and level-headed . . . he has a lot of interesting and provocative things to say about both genetic science and genetic engineering. In particular, he has provided as clear and compelling an account of what is meant by playing God, and what is wrong with playing God, as I have seen. -Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool A provocative and always interesting addition to the literature on genetics. -Arlene Judith Klotzko, Writer in Residence, Science Museum In this dense but accessible book, Gordon Graham describes the scientific, technological, social, moral and religious aspects of the debates about genetic engineering in an impressively even-handed way. He begins by introducing science and genetics in the context of the development of our society, demonstrating how scientific research and use of the resulting technology is shaped by collective ideas of morality; even in this so-called rational society religion and philosophy are still important influences on public opinion. Graham then summarizes our current state of knowledge with regard to genetics, explaining the differing theories of evolution and human behaviour and how they affect our moral judgement. The complexity of human behaviour is not strictly gene-driven, nor is genetic engineering the solution to all ills. But potentially it has great benefits, and Graham describes the various techniques of genetic manipulation - including cloning and designer babies - in terms of applications, costs and benefits. Moral questions are raised first as logical ones (If experimenting on babies is banned, why do we allow experiments to create babies?) and discussed in detail in the last chapter, 'Playing God'. These are complex issues and you need to be awake to keep up with the flow of ideas, but key quotes from leading writers and Graham's intelligent commentary guide the reader through the issues. This is a clear-headed introduction to the minefield of genetics which will enable anyone to take a critical look at the subject. It is well indexed and has a wide bibliography for further reading. (Kirkus UK) ... clear-headed, intricate and seductive arguments. Scientists and laypersons alike will find something within them to disagree with. But I'm equally sure that they'll be forced to reassess either some of their faith in, or fear of, genetic science. <br>- Independent on Sunday <br>... an excellent, readable and lively 'take' from the viewpoint of a moral philosopher ... I think Graham's book will greatly help to clarify the minds of many people who are confused by the media's approach, especially television, that often presents a kaleidoscope of different opinions. <br>-Dr. David Galton, author of In Our Own Image <br> Clear and level-headed . . . he has a lot of interesting and provocative things to say about both genetic science and genetic engineering. In particular, he has provided as clear and compelling an account of what is meant by playing God, and what is wrong with playing God, as I have seen. <br>-Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool <br> A provocative and always interesting addition to the literature on genetics. <br>-Arlene Judith Klotzko, Writer in Residence, Science Museum <br> Author InformationGordon 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) Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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