Synopses & Reviews
Designed for freshman seminars, adult education courses, and ethics units in biology classes, this book presents enough science so that readers can make an informed analysis of the issues and know what factual data are consistent (or are not consistent) with their ethical views.
The two-chapter units address specific questions, juxtaposing the scientific "facts" (in the initial chapter) with the ethical questions (in the second chapter). While the science has been simplified and explained at the level of an introductory biology course, it successfully conveys the essential information for useful discussions. The final unit contains information and discussion about three topics-the definition of "normal," the question of genetic determinism, and the use of animals in scientific research-that predate the "embryological revolution" but remain important issues for scientists and concerned citizens alike to consider.
This book is available on its own and packaged with other W.H. Freeman titles. If you are interested in packaging it, please contact your local W.H. Freeman Representative.
Synopsis
Our ability to alter the course of human development ranks among the most significant changes in modern science. But even if we can do such things, should we? Under what conditions should certain procedures be permitted or forbidden? Do we want to support the research that might make such procedures possible? This book presents enough science so readers can make an informed analysis of the issues consistent with their ethical views.
This book is available on its own and packaged with other W.H. Freeman titles. If you are interested in packaging it, please contact your local W.H. Freeman Representative.
Table of Contents
UNIT I. WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN? 1. An Outline of Human Development
2. Philosophical, Theological, and Scientific Arguments
UNIT II. SHOULD WE REGULATE ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY?
1. Natural and Assisted Fertilization
2. Ethical Issues in Assisted Reproductive Technology
UNIT III. SHOULD WE SELECT THE SEX OF OUR CHILDREN?
1. The Genetics of Sex Determination
2. Arguments For and Against Sex Selection
UNIT IV. SHOULD WE ALLOW HUMAN BEINGS TO BE CLONED?
1. The Science of Cloning
2. Ethics and Policies for Human Cloning
UNIT V. SHOULD WE USE STEM CELLS TO REPAIR THE HUMAN BODY?
1. Stem Cell Therapy and Organ Regeneration
2. Ethical Dilemmas of Stem Cell Therapy
UNIT VI. SHOULD WE MODIFY THE HUMAN GENOME?
1. Gene Therapy
2. Should We Allow the Genetic Engineering of Humans?
UNIT VII. NEW PERSPECTIVES ON OLD ISSUES
1. What Is "Normal"?
2. Genetic Determinism
3. The Ethics of Animal Use in Research