Democracy, Ethics and Genomics: Introduction to a special issue

Authors

  • James Tansey University of Oxford
  • Michael M. Burgess UBC

Abstract

Beginning with the discovery of the structure of DNA, genomic sciences have expanded rapidly, and in recent years we have begun to see the products of this vast research effort translated into technologies that are beginning to impact healthcare, food production, ecosystem management and environmental remediation. While transgenic applications of genomic sciences have been controversial at times, other applications such as genetic testing have been considered more acceptable. Applications within the life sciences to improving our understanding of the processes of speciation and for exploring the role and function of genes in response to environmental change have also been valuable. It is also true to say that the gene has assumed mythical qualities in late modernity and it has an alluring mystique (Nelkin & Lindee, 2004) with broader social and political meaning loaded onto a scientific classification (Tansey & Burgess, forthcoming). Somewhat ironically, perhaps, while scientists increasingly seek to downplay the concept of genetic determinism and emphasise gene-environment interactions, proteomics and epigenetics, the concept of genetic determinism has established strong roots in popular culture and the media (Bates, 2005).

Author Biographies

James Tansey, University of Oxford

James Martin Institute for Science and Civilisation

Michael M. Burgess, UBC

W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics

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Published

2006-07-03

Issue

Section

Op-ed