The future of DNA: Proceedings of an international If gene conference on presuppositions in science and expectations in society held at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, 2nd - 5th October 1996 / Edition 1

by J. Wirz, E.T. Lammerts van Bueren

Overview

The rapid progress in biological and biomedical sciences in the last twenty years has brought with it an extensive development of the methods of molecular genetics. This has had impacts on society in many fields. Practical applications in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, food design and biotechnology are firmly established and will grow enormously in the years to come. The scientific views of DNA and genes which underpin these applications are challenging our fundamental concepts of life, nature, society and humanity. It is beyond doubt that these developments need to be evaluated and reflected upon, both from a scientific and philosophical point of view, as well as from a cultural and social perspective.
This book provides a wide range of discussions about the effects of DNA thinking in science and society, in biology and in relation to what it is to be human. Insights are provided into trans-disciplinary approaches and divergent views are compared. The reports on the plenary discussions and the many workshops show progress towards a power-free dialogue, i.e. an exchange of thoughts, free of economic and political pressure.
The viewpoints of a variety of specialists, including scientists (microbiologists, molecular geneticists and clinical researchers), clinicians, philosophers and members of NGOs are presented. The contents will be of particular interest to those involved in genetic engineering, from students to policy makers, who face the challenge of the new technology in their work and who are looking for a substantial expansion and complementation of their basis for judgement forming.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789401063128
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	10/11/2012
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1997
Pages:	289
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.02(d)

Table of Contents

1 Introduction II If gene coordinators.- DNA-Thinking in Science and Society.- 2 The limits of culture in biotechnology.- 3 The cultural powers of the gene — identity, destiny and the social meaning of heredity.- 4 The archetypal gene — the open history of a successful concept.- 5 Back to the future — towards a spiritual attitude for managing DNA.- DNA In Living Organisms.- 6 DNA in the environment: ecological, and therefore societal, implications.- 7 DNA and the new organicism.- 8 DNA at the edge of contextual biology.- DNA and Human Biography.- 9 The role of genetic disposition in human health and disease — bioethical aspects of DNA testing.- 10 Genomic instability — a story of repair, cancer and evolution, with existential impact on the individual.- 11 Human biography and its genetic instrument.- Plenary Discussions.- 12 Practising a power free dialogue in the plenary sessions about modern biotechnology.- Workshops.- 13 Gene concepts in motion: from Mendel to molecules.- 14 DNA and food technology — between natural food and food design.- 15 DNA and education.- 16 The biotechnology dialogue in the Netherlands.- 17 The genetification of our culture.- 18 DNA in context — genes, organisms and evolution illustrated through algae and buttercups.- 19 Transgenic plants — consequences and impacts for production and ecology.- 20 Intrinsic value of plants and animals: from philosophy to implementation.- 21 Does human retardation occur at the molecular level?.- 22 Genetic disabilities — predictive diagnosis, gene therapy and communal care.- 23 Heredity, gene therapy and religion.- 24 Genetic engineering and xenotransplantation.- 25 Embryo, heredity and DNA.- Round Table Discussions.- 26 Meeting the person behind the scientist involved in gene technology —summary of the round table discussions.- Closing Remarks And Reflection.- 27 Biotechnology as a socio-technical ensemble — closing remarks and reflection.- 28 If gene network.

Editorial Reviews

‘Particularly the first half of this book will be of interest to anyone interested in alternative ways to think about DNA and its future... I enjoyed reading this part of the book.'
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 3:1 (2000)

From the Publisher