Social genomics: Genomic inventions in society: The nature of what's to come

Author: Hollander, Rachelle

Source: Science and Engineering Ethics, Volume 8, Number 4, December 2002 , pp. 485-496(12)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This paper identifies several kinds of intellectual mistakes that proponents of genetic engineering make, in defending their views and characterizing the views of their opponents. Results from research in the social sciences and humanities illuminate the nature of these mistakes. The mistakes themselves play a role in allowing proponents to gather support from other protagonists in the social controversies involving science and technology. Understanding the controversies requires understanding that innovations are components of complex and ill-structured social problems; the “right answer” does not follow from scientific or technological breakthroughs. If the problems are identified correctly, issues of non-economic or non-market values and political and individual rights will need to be addressed.

Keywords: ethics; risk; and genetically modified food; ethical and social dimensions of innovation; labeling controversies; approaching complex and ill-structured social prob

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11948-002-0002-9

Affiliations: 1: Email: rholland@nsf.gov

Publication date: 2002-12-01