The Frankenstein Syndrome: Ethical and Social Issues in the Genetic Engineering of Animals / Edition 1

by Bernard E. Rollin

Overview

This book is a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by genetically engineering animals, a powerful technology that has major implications for society. Unlike other books on this emotionally charged subject, the author attempts to inform, not inflame, the reader about the real problems society must address in order to manage this technology. Nontechnical and anecdotal in nature, written by a professor of philosophy, physiology and biophysics, this book will appeal to both specialists and general readers with an interest in genetic engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521478076
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/30/1995
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Public Policy
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

1. THere Are Certain Things Humans Were Not Meant to Do; 2. Rampaging monsters; 3. The plight of the creature.

Editorial Reviews

"...a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by geneticaly engineering animals...this book will appeal to both specialists and general readers with an interest in genetic engineering." The Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society

"...the book is engaging and nicely crafted, well-informed about relevant scientific details and public policy, and constructive in tone and content....The Frankenstein Syndrome is a well-written, engaging, thoughtful, and thought-provoking book that is must reading for everyone interested in the ethics of genetic engineering. Again, all who read it are likely to learn from it." Bioethics

"The Frankenstein Syndrome constitutes another important contribution to that work- and to the litertaure on genetic engineering..." Steve F. Sapontzis, Between the Species

"Dr. Rollin does an excellent job dissecting the various philosophies underlying the views for and against genetic engineering of animals. Rollin examines a broad spectrum of information, and his writing style makes this book very readable for anyone seeking to better understand this important topic." Amy Coxon, Ethics & Medicine

From the Publisher

A non-technical argument that biotechnology is not inherently bad, has potential for great benefit to humans and society, is only quantitatively rather than qualitatively different from selective breeding, and is much to dangerous to be unregulated or regulated by a small group of scientists and government agents. The author spells out what is known about the potential hazards of genetically modifying animals, why such research and subsequent production should be highly regulated, and the mechanisms by which the public can be educated and have a voice in the regulation. The final chapter addresses the well being of modified animals, a topic too little considered. The price makes the book attractive even for readers with only a moderate interest in the controversies now raging, and the rigor makes it a suitable overview for professionals in the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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