Improving Nature?: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering

Little more than a decade ago the term 'genetic engineering' was hardly known outside research laboratories. By now, though, its use is widespread. Those in favour of genetic engineering - and those against it - tell us that it has the potential to change our lives perhaps more than any other scientific or technological advance. But what are the likely consequences of genetic engineering? Is it ethically acceptable? Should we be trying to improve on nature? The authors, a biologist and a moral philosopher, examine the implications of genetic engineering in every aspect of our lives. The underlying science is explained in a way easily understood by a general reader, and the moral and ethical considerations that arise are fully discussed. Throughout, the authors clarify the issues involved so that readers can make up their own minds about these controversial issues.

Table of Contents:
Section A: 1. Introduction; 2. The practicalities of genetic engineering; 3. Moral and ethical concerns; 4. Theological concerns; Section B: Overview of section B; 5. The genetic engineering of microorganisms; 6. The genetic engineering of plants; 7. The genetic engineering of animals; 8. The genetic engineering of humans; Section C: 9. Public understanding of genetic engineering: what can education do?

Review :
'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