- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Yale University Press; 1 edition (2 Jan 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0300143087
- ISBN-13: 978-0300143089
- Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 14 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,178,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Babies by Design: The Ethics of Genetic Choice
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"'In this clear-eyed and generally optimistic book, both promise and risk are ably weighed and balanced. The science is clearly explained, and there are signposts to help guide us through the moral maze.' Economist"
Product Description
We stand on the brink of unprecedented growth in our ability to understand and change the human genome. New reproductive technologies now enable parents to select some genetic traits for their children, and soon it will be possible to begin to shape ourselves as a species. Despite the loud cries of alarm that such a prospect inspires, Ronald Green argues that we will, and we should, undertake the direction of our own evolution.A leader in the bioethics community, Green offers a scientifically and ethically informed view of human genetic self-modification and the possibilities it opens up for a better future. Fears of a terrible Brave New World or a new eugenics movement are overblown, he maintains, and in the more likely future, genetic modifications may improve parents' ability to enhance children's lives and may even promote social justice.The author outlines the new capabilities of genomic science, addresses urgent questions of safety that genetic interventions pose, and explores questions of parenting and justice. He also examines the religious implications of gene modification. Babies by design are assuredly in the future, Green concludes, and by making responsible choices as we enter that future, we can incorporate gene technology in a new age of human adventure.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was hoping for more insight into what was likely to be possible, and the real ethical dilemmas we will face in the near future. Instead the book is largely dedicated to quelling the fears of the forces of reaction. I fairly sure that that is wasted effort. The culture wars in the US will reach an insane pitch when medical technology gives us the ability to more directly determine the genes of our children, and frankly logic is not going to hold the day.
That said I can see the wisdom in trying to get the first word in before the screaming starts. If this work manages to reach reasonable people and inform them, it is a very worthy exercise. However I have not fears to quell, just a genuine interest in the possibilities, and so Babies by Design was not suitable for me
That said I can see the wisdom in trying to get the first word in before the screaming starts. If this work manages to reach reasonable people and inform them, it is a very worthy exercise. However I have not fears to quell, just a genuine interest in the possibilities, and so Babies by Design was not suitable for me
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4 reviews
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
A Refreshing Perspective in the Genetic Engineering Debate
12 Dec 2007
Format:Hardcover
Babies By Design is one of the few books I've encountered that's not overtly biased either in favor of, or against, human genetic enhancement. Professor Green offers a nuanced analysis of these pressing ethical issues, written in a conversational style that draws upon real-world and fictional material and doesn't require a PhD in biochemistry to decipher. If human genetic enhancement is a subject of interest to you, this one is well worth your time.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Born Free
25 Jun 2008
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a very enjoyable book about the ethics of genetic engineering, a topic that may ensure that the dinner conversation go right past midnight. Ronald Green raises more questions than answers, but he makes it clear where he stands. He is all for the advancement of genetic research that may potentially be used to correct genetic defects and shortcomings. In most of the subjects discussed, he presents all the major views - whether for or against. In the chapter 'Will we create "Genobility"' he discussed John Rawls' 'Theory of Justice' with some absorbing views about it's outdatedness. Lawyers and philosophers will certainly find this chapter fascinating. 'Playing God' draws upon the questions of the religious aversion of man playing the role of his maker. Is the human eye proof of an intelligent or unintelligent design? That is one of the questions discussed here. What fascinated me most about this book is its references to famous books and films of fiction that has genetic manipulation as a central theme - 'Never Let Me Go', Ishiguro; Beggars in Spain', Leisha Camden; 'Dawn', Olivia Butler; 'Gattaca'; 'Island' (latter two are films). The reader must not expect discussions of deep and dense theories of ethics here. That did not seem to be the purpose of the book. It is a book that is wide-ranging in its coverage of genetic activities in the presentday, and by means of examples, indicate the advantages of going with scientific progress. How far should one go, is the ultimate question the reader has to decide for himself. This book will help.
0 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Babies by design
5 Oct 2008
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Less detailed then i thought it would be. This book is okay for general information on the subject.
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