EDST 391 Ethics & the Human Genome

Name:
Date:
"Calendar"

Readings:

• Please review the topics discussed in these two previous readings--the long-standing hopes and fears of medical utopias, as well as the recent enthusiasms for manipulating the genomics of mankind
  • Medical utopias: Ethical reflections about emerging medical technologies, by B. Gordijn, 2006.
  • Chapter 2: Basic concepts (pp. 7-14).
  • Chapter 3: Medical utopian thinking (pp. 15-38).
  • Economist’s Survey of the Human Genome

• Background: Good questions are as important as good answers. Please think back over the course. We have read about and discussed a variety "is" (scientific) and "ought" (ethical) questions involving the use of genomic technologies. Focus now on the ethical.
• Assignment: What ethical question involving genomics has not received the attention or serious discussion that you think it deserves? For example, what important ethical challenge do you see commentators neglecting or not taking seriously enough? Please explain.
  • Note: It's difficult but often revealing to figure out what is missing from a discussion. What is not said. As Sherlock Holmes would say, "the dog that didn't bark."
  • Note: As a teacher, I can tell you that the "stupid" question is often the most important or fundamental. Also feel free to play "devil's advocate" to force people to explain why they think something is "obviously" immmoral ("what's wrong with eating babies"?) or moral ("why should parents care for their children?")
  • Note: Skimming the two readings again might stir some ideas for you. Ask yourself: Did they raise questions in your mind that the readings or course never adequately addressed? I am keenly interested in your insights!