Items related to Brave New Worlds: Genetics and the Human Experience

Brave New Worlds: Genetics and the Human Experience - Softcover

 
9780006551447: Brave New Worlds: Genetics and the Human Experience
View all copies of this ISBN edition:
 
 

A leading commentator questions the ethical implications of contemporary science.

In this cogent, biting argument Bryan Appleyard, special feature-writer and columnist for the Sunday Times and author of Understanding the Present: Science and the Soul of Modern Man, takes the liberal humanist position against the advance of scientific ethics (or lack of them), in particular those of genetics. As the achievements of science threaten to engulf this century leaving us morally and philosophically floundering in their wake (what ARE we going to do about Dolly?), Appleyard’s remorseless and in its way enthralling engagement with the issues makes this a book that will take pole position in a debate which can only get hotter and more desperate.
In essence, he says that although it may be true that we live in Dawkins’ ‘cold and pitiless’ universe, if we live our lives according to such wisdom we will all simply end up killing each other (as this century, with its appalling history of eugenics, a first cousin of genetics, has shown rather well).
There is a real sale here to people who are not just interested in science for its own sake but who are interested in alternatives to the bleak reductionism that it seems to offer. I have compared it to Masson’s Against Therapy, in that both take up strong positions against a strong body of opinion which many find oppressive. This could be a key book in any discussion of science and the future.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:
Bryan Appleyard doesn't really have much new to say about the future of human society in the face of genetic science advances, but he states his arguments simply, precisely and quickly. In fact, Appleyard's main purpose seems simply to be a call for awareness. In a time where new discoveries about DNA and human biochemistry come fast and furious, Appleyard preaches vigilance, lest we end up with the genetic equivalent of the atom bomb--which is a perfect example, he says, of what naïve scientists will do when their knowledge is unchecked by society. His main points are that scientific knowledge is not (and probably has never been) morally neutral, despite the protestations of well-meaning advocates of science; that new developments are not always good; that genetic screening and abortion as currently practiced are eugenics; and that the practice of eugenics, no matter how well disguised, will lead us to a future that looks disturbingly like Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. We must decide for ourselves what we want before science and politics decide for us, says Appleyard. This short book is bound to anger scientists, religious leaders and people on both ends of the left-right political spectrum--Appleyard no doubt hopes it will get people talking about the "scientific juggernaut" of genetics. Brave New Worlds will also give readers a quick, anxious overview of the state of genetics-research policy in the wake of the first successful adult mammalian clone and the Human Genome Project, and plenty of food for thought about what it is to be human. --Therese Littleton
Review:

‘This is a brave book... Appleyard helps the nonspecialist to confront and to appreciate the disturbing significance of some of science’s achievements’
Sunday Times

‘A deeply felt, courageous polemic’
Daily Telegraph

‘An intelligent, passionate and profound book’
Spectator

‘The polemical thrust of Brave New Worlds finds a true point of entry into the world of lived lives.’
Melvyn Bragg, New Statesman

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherHarperCollins
  • Publication date2000
  • ISBN 10 0006551440
  • ISBN 13 9780006551447
  • BindingPaperback
  • Number of pages208
  • Rating
Buy Used
Condition: Very Good
The book has been read, but is... Learn more about this copy

Shipping: £ 4.80
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Destination, rates & speeds

Add to Basket

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780002570213: Brave New Worlds: Genetics and the Human Experience

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  ISBN 13:  9780002570213
Publisher: HarperCollins, 1999
Hardcover

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
Published by Harper Collins (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
WorldofBooks
(Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005411097

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 1.14
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 4.80
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
Published by Harper Collins (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
WorldofBooks
(Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR004617050

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 1.14
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 4.80
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
Published by - (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
AwesomeBooks
(Wallingford, United Kingdom)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Brave New Worlds: Genetics and the Human Experience This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780006551447

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 3.62
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 4.49
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
Published by HarperCollins (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
Goldstone Books
(Llandybie, United Kingdom)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. All orders are dispatched the following working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we have over 500,000 books in stock. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied. Seller Inventory # mon0003926059

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 2.12
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 5.99
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Bryan Appleyard
Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Softcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Ammareal
(Morangis, France)

Book Description Softcover. Condition: Bon. Traces de pliures sur la couverture. Traces d'usure sur la couverture. Ammareal reverse jusqu'à 15% du prix net de ce livre à des organisations caritatives. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Book Condition: Used, Good. Traces of creases on the cover. Signs of wear on the cover. Ammareal gives back up to 15% of this book's net price to charity organizations. Seller Inventory # C-129-071

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 3.16
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 6.84
From France to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
Published by - - (2000)
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Paperback Quantity: 1
Seller:
Bahamut Media
(Reading, United Kingdom)

Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780006551447

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 3.62
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 6.98
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Appleyard, Bryan
ISBN 10: 0006551440 ISBN 13: 9780006551447
Used Soft cover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Klanhorn
(Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia)

Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st UK Paperback Edition. VG, Edgewear, creases, browning. "Gene therapy, cloning and eugenics". Expanded condition report/digital photo on request. Seller Inventory # 027862

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy Used
£ 4.86
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 14.14
From Australia to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds