PHIL 229(F) Ethics and Genetics (W)
The Human Genome Project, among other recent advancements in genetic
technology, has already profoundly affected the conduct of basic biological
sciences and has the potential to revolutionize medical practice and agriculture.
In this course we'll examine the philosophical and ethical concerns that accompany the use of genetic information and interventions. We will begin by addressing foundational conceptual questions, the first of which will be: what constitutes specifically genetic information and manipulation? In addition, we'll consider the formulation and moral relevance of the distinctions between nature and
artifice in the genetic realm, the contribution of genetics to various notions of
identity, and the relationship between moral responsibility and genetic influence
or determinism. The remainder-and bulk-of the course will take up specific
ethical issues relating to genetic information and technology. Such topics may
include privacy and the disclosure of genetic information, genetic testing and
screening, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and the creation of "savior" siblings, human gene transfer (a.k.a. "gene therapy"), cloning of human and nonhuman animals, patenting and intellectual rights, genetic experimentation with
humans, and the agricultural use of genetically modified organisms.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: active participation in class, periodic
short writing assignments (2-3 pages each), and one long term paper (10-15
pages) on a topic of the student's choosing. Previous coursework in biology, genetics or philosophy may be helpful but is by no means required.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected : 10-15). Preference given to
Philosophy majors, Biology majors, and Pre-Med students.