Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry

Gordon Graham is Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen and Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Philosophy, Technology and Science. He is also the author of Philosophy of the Arts (Routledge 1997) and The Shape of the Past (Oxford University Press 1997)

• Preface 1. Science and the Self-image of society Icon and understanding - the fractured image: Einstein vs Frankenstein - science - technology - anti-science - explaining things - engineering things - 'pure' and 'applied'2. Genetic Explanation Evolution and creationism - natural selection and 'the selfish gene' - survival of the fittest - altruism, homosexuality and sterility - irreducible complexity and the biochemical - sociobiology and evolutionary psychology - memetics3. Genetic Engineering Genetic screening - genetic information - genetic modification - environmentalism - the precautionary principle - genetic research - the 'slippery slope' and the 'sanctity of life'4. Playing God Secular versions of the sacred - genetic trespassing -rights and equality - human cloning - reproductive technologies - designer babies - procreative responsibility and the ethics of abortion - 'playing God' without God

'Gordon Grham brings his philosophical acumen to bear on the complex questions surrounding public debate on genes and gentetics.' - Network