Bioethics

Should we do whatever science lets us do?

New developments in biotechnology like genetics, stem cell research and artificial reproduction arouse both our greatest hopes and our greatest fears. Many people invest the new biotechnology with all the aspirations and faith once accorded to religious salvation. But does everyone benefit equally from scientific progress? Commercialized modern biomedicine runs the risk of exploiting vulnerable groups, from Indian ‘surrogate’ mothers to professional guinea pigs in drug research.

Professor Dickenson argues that although we’ve entered new scientific territory, there’s no need to jettison our existing moral sense. By discussing a range of real-life cases, she equips readers to make up their own minds on these important and controversial questions. Good science and good ethics needn’t be contradictory.

This accessible and concise book will appeal to both students and general readers, giving a fascinating introduction to a wide range of perspectives on Bioethics.