Future Bioethics: Overcoming Taboos, Myths, and Dogmas

Now head of research and legal affairs at the Center for Inquiry in Washington, D.C., Lindsay previously practiced law in Washington, D.C. and taught jurisprudence and philosophy at Georgetown U. and American U. He examines several controversial issues in bioethics in a text designed to be academic but accessible to the general reader, including the legalization of physician assistance in dying for the terminally ill; conscientious objection by healthcare workers and other types of workers, and by institutions; genetically altered food; self-improvement resulting from a drug or modification of one's genes; and embryonic stem cell research. For each topic, Lindsay lays out the factual and moral premises that he will use in his reasoning, and then analyzes the flaws in the various taboos, myths, and dogmas that continue to influence public policy in these areas, to the detriment of our health and well-being. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

After describing in detail the proper way to approach and resolve a dispute in bioethics, Lindsay proceeds to analyze several different cutting-edge issues. Through his insightful analysis, Lindsay demonstrates how to achieve pragmatic, progressive solutions to these controversies.