Genes and future people : philosophical issues in human genetics /

Human genetics today is composed of a bewildering array of revolutionary technologies that are perfected much faster than society's ability to think ethically about them. Ethicist Glannon (McGill University) has written a book that joins many others in trying to make sense of this rapidly changing field; however, he is prepared to go where few others have ventured: to ask not only about the impact of genetic technologies on current members of society, but also about the projected impact on the "future people" of the book's title--those individuals who do not as yet exist but who may conceivably bear some of the consequences of today's genetic decisions. As expected, this philosophical approach has a bearing on almost every area of modern human genetics; the author addresses such issues as genetic testing, gene therapy, genetic enhancement, eugenics, human cloning, and extension of the human lifespan. Many of these areas are still in a largely theoretical stage, which, according to Glannon, is the perfect time to ponder the ethics involved. This book is well written and carefully organized. Not all will agree with the author's conclusions, but the book is nevertheless an important resource for those working at the frontiers of human genetics. Graduate students through professionals. R. K. Harris William Carey College