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.
Amazon Home
