Review by Choice Review
Genethics follows in the stream of modern social commentary on molecular genetics begun with T.G. Dobzhansky's Mankind Evolving (1962) in the 1960s, carried on by A. Etzioni's Genetic Fix (CH, Mar '74) in the 1970s, S. Krimsky's Genetic Alchemy (CH, Dec '80), and J. Rifkin's Algeny (1983) in the 1980s. The authors' method is to provide a paradigm conflict at the intersection of each new genetic technique and its societal impact--for example, genetic screening versus the right to privacy. Genetic principles are concisely and clearly articulated. The examples are all classics--the XYY chromosomal anomaly, the peppered moth, the Ti plasmid, red-green colorblindness. The writing, however, is often tidier than the science actually is. The ethical analyses are less successful than the descriptive genetics, insisting on an inevitable "clash between the new genetics and human values," rather than situating genetic technology within the framework of general technological progress and human adaptation to it. The authors' scenario of a "nightmarish" AIDS-like genetic plague and their presumption of a "moral difference" between the genetic manipulation of somatic and germ cells seem dogmatic rather than thoughtful probing of ethical issues. The final appeal to non-Western philosophical thought to guide one through the difficult decisions in applying modern genetics to contemporary life leads back to mythic notions about human inheritance that much of modern genetics successfully overcame. General readers. -M. J. Goodman, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
New genetic technology remains the province of specialists, but this provocative book challenges general readers to consider the ethical questions now appearing on the scientific frontier. The authors manage to convey some of the adventure and rigor behind the recent breakthroughs in biological research. The thrill of discovery is tempered, however, by consideration of the profound risks of the new powers to control life at its source. Stirring memories of Faust, Prometheus, and Icarus, the authors examine the moral perils of genetic screening, biological warfare, agricultural hybrids, and DNA mapping. The 10 ethical principles they propose for meeting these dangers are thought- provoking but will not persuade everyone. In particular, the concluding appeal for an as-yet- undiscovered mythology will strike many as whistling in the dark. Even if its solutions are incomplete, this book deserves wide attention for its timely warning of problems now on the cultural horizon. Glossary, bibliography, and index. BJC.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
The limitations of our knowledge are stressed in this excellent discussion of the ethics of genetic research. Here a Canadian scientist and a science writer have created a very thoughtful presentation on the status of our knowledge about genes (the complex mechanisms by which genes function within a cell, an organism, and a species), and the consequences of that knowledge. The recent expansion of genetic knowledge has brought the Green Revolution to agriculture and genetic screening as well as a serious loss of genetic diversity and the creation of biological weapons. Proposing ten moral principles to guide future research, the authors very effectively emphasize the folly of scientific hubris. For most science collections. A challenging book. Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
YA-- The fields of genetics and ethics are inseparable, and therefore Genethics is an apt title. This book, accessible to non-scientists, is an introduction to both fields and their interactions. The authors state in the preface that they make no pretense that their moral arguments are completely objective; rather, a humanistic point of view has been adopted. Scenarios or case studies help readers work through a sometimes complex genethic principle, which is the focus of each chapter. The many figures and tables add greatly to the text, providing much-needed information to help readers foresee the consequences of various actions. The glossary, bibliography, and index are well done and helpful in exploring the difficult issues presented. A well-chosen chapter as a reading assignment for a biology class should produce an interesting and lively discussion.-- Carolyn Henebry, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by School Library Journal Review
