Is Human Nature Obsolete? : Genetics, Bioengineering, and the Future of the Human Condition
Language: English
Published by MIT Press, 2004
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.Better World Books: West
AbeBooks seller since March 14, 2016
Condition: Used - Good
£ 7.38
Quantity: 1 available
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Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Seller Inventory # 57176159-75
- Title
- Is Human Nature Obsolete? : Genetics, Bioengineering, and the Future of the Human Condition
- Publisher
- MIT Press
- Publication year
- 2004
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0262025698
- ISBN 13
- 9780262025690
- Item weight
- 1.526 pounds
- Dimensions
- N/A
As our scientific and technical abilities expand at breathtaking speeds, concern that modern genetics and bioengineering are leading us to a posthuman future is growing. Is Human Nature Obsolete? poses the overarching question of what it is to be human against the background of these current advances in biotechnology. Its perspective is philosophical and interdisciplinary rather than technical; the focus is on questions of fundamental ontological importance rather than the specifics of medical or scientific practice.
The authorsall distinguished scholars in their fieldstake on questions about technology's goals and values that are often ignored or sidelined in the face of rapid scientific advances and the highly specialized nature of technical knowledge. The essays included represent a rich variety of thought, ranging from finely nuanced philosophical and theological arguments to historical studies and cultural commentaries. Several explore the historical background of today's biotechnology: Timothy Casey traces such developments as the emergence of cybernetic humanity from Cartesian dualism, and Diane Paul presents the history of "positive" versus coerced eugenics. Jean Bethke Elshtain discusses cloning as a "messianic project" to perfect the body and exclude natural diversitygiving as an example the elimination of Down Syndrome as an acceptable human typewhile Harold Baillie calls for an examination of the metaphysical roots of personhood. Robert Proctor finds no evidence in paleontology for any "essence of humanity," and Tom Shannon argues against materialist reductionism. Addressing social concerns, Lisa Sowle Cahill finds the possibility of a political solution to the problems raised by genetic engineering in Catholic teachings on social justice, and Langdon Winner looks critically at the "scientific enthusiasts of a posthuman future." Taken as a whole, the book provides a humanistic overview of a subject too often considered only in its technological aspect.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Timothy K. Casey is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Scranton.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Better World Books: West
Reno, NV, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since March 14, 2016
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Better World Books is a for-profit, socially conscious business and a global online bookseller that collects and sells new and used books online, matching each purchase with a book donation. Each sale generates funds for literacy and education initiatives in the U.S., the UK, and around the world. Since its launch in 2003, Better World Books has raised over $35 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 38 million books, and reused or recycled more than 475 million books.
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