Engineering Genesis Ethics of Genetic Engineering in Non-human Species

Few issues have aroused so much public attention and controversy as recent developments in biotechnology. How can we make sound judgements of the cloning of Dolly the sheep, genetically altered foodstuffs, or the prospect of transplanting pigs' hearts into humans? Are we 'playing God' with nature? What is driving these developments, and how can they be made more accountable to the public? Engineering Genesis provides a uniquely informed, balanced and varied insight into these and many other key issues from a working group of distinguished experts - in genetics, agriculture, animal welfare, ethics, theology, sociology and risk - brought together by the Society, Religion and Technology Project of the Church of Scotland. A number of case studies present all the main innovations: animal cloning, pharmaceutical production from animals, cross-species transplants, and,genetically modified foods. From these the authors develop a careful analysis of the ethical and social implications - offering contrasting perspectives and insightful arguments which, above all, will enable readers to form their own judgements on these vital questions.

Chapter 1: Explaining Genetic Engineering and its Uses * Chapter 2: Case Studies * Chapter 3: Ethics Under the Microscope * Genetic Engineering and Animal Welfare * Animal Ethics and Human Benefit * Transgenic Food * Letting Out the Genie: Environmental Risk and Regulation * Patenting Life * Genetic Engineering and Developing Countries * The Social Context of Genetic Engineering * Final Reflections * Appendix 1 Glossary * Appendix 2 Genetic Engineering Concepts and Techniques * Appendix 3 Frameworks for Making Ethical Assessments * Appendix 4 Society, Religion and Technology Project * Notes and References * Further Reading * Index