The freedom of scientific research : bridging the gap between science and society /

This book is a valuable contribution and resource in two senses. First, it explores the question of scientific freedom in our contemporary world of ideological debates about abortion, the use of embryos in research, vaccinations, and radical new surgical techniques. Second, it discusses new areas of technology and research that also raise definitional, ethical, legal, and policy issues. There are chapters on aging and longevity, reproductive technologies and the family, new frontiers in surgery (such as uterus and penis transplants), mitochondrial transfer, research on pathogens and biosecurity, robotic intelligence, and new frontiers in physics. The contributors' focus on freedom includes freedom of scientific research and the freedom of citizens and society to make informed decisions about treatments and about limiting or preventing scientific exploration. Does wider access to scientific education enhance people's ability to evaluate facts and to think critically? But what if people still choose to remain in ignorance? Is limiting scientific research also limiting the right to life and the physical integrity of those who would benefit from that research? Might scientific freedom be hindered by ideologies that do not stand up to moral or rational scrutiny? Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels. --Jacquelyn A. Kegley, California State University, Bakersfield