Psychiatry, Molecular Genetics and Ethics: The New Discoveries and the New Issues

1989 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
John McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Molecular Genetics ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Huntington's Chorea ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Recent Developments

Recent developments in molecular genetics are examined with particular reference to psychiatry. the new technologies available have allowed significant advances in the understanding of certain illnesses such as familial Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's chorea, and will provide powerful tools to explore many other important psychiatric illnesses. the area of genetic counselling is already characterized by complex ethical issues. We can expect that as the new technologies provide the prospect of positive germ line genetic engineering, these ethical issues will become more complex. It is important that psychiatrists prepare themselves for these future developments and take an active role in leading the debate.

Synthetic Biology and Ethics: Past, Present, and Future

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
MATTI HÄYRY
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Field Form ◽  
Scientific Advances

Abstract:This article explores the ethical issues that have been identified in emerging technologies, from early genetic engineering to synthetic biology. The scientific advances in the field form a continuum, and some ethical considerations can be raised time and again when new developments occur. An underlying concern is the cumulative effect of scientific advances and ensuing technological innovation that can change our understanding of life and humanity.

Genetic Engineering and Ethical Issues

2003 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphaël Larrère
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Ethical Issues

The Robots’ Ethics in Stanisław Lem’s Fables for Robots

Tekstualia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (50) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Mazur-Lejman
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Moral Dimension ◽  
Good And Evil ◽  
The Relationship

This essay is an analysis of selected ethical issues addressed in Stanisław Lem’s Fables for Robots. Specifi c problems under discussion include the subjectivity of thinking machines, the relationship between man and machine, the moral dimension of the robots’ rights (freedom, the relativism of good and evil, social norms or genetic engineering).

Science fiction authors’ perspectives on human genetic engineering

2021 ◽  
pp. medhum-2020-012041
Author(s):  
Derek So ◽  
Kelsey Crocker ◽  
Robert Sladek ◽  
Yann Joly
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Science Fiction ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Human Gene ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Social Divisions ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Human Genetic Engineering ◽  
Brave New World

Participants in the human gene editing debate often consider examples from science fiction but have rarely engaged directly with the science fiction community as stakeholders. To understand how science fiction authors develop and spread their views on gene editing, we created an online questionnaire that was answered by 78 authors, including 71 who had previously written about genetic engineering. When asked which ethical issues science fiction should explore, respondents most frequently mentioned affordability, new social divisions, consent and unforeseen safety risks. They rarely advocated exploring psychological effects or religious objections. When asked which works of fiction had influenced their perceptions of gene editing, the most frequent responses were the film Gattaca, the Star Trek franchise and the novels The Island of Doctor Moreau and Brave New World. Unlike other stakeholders, they rarely cited Frankenstein as an influence. This article examines several differences between bioethicists, the general public and science fiction authors, and discusses how this community’s involvement might benefit proponents and opponents of gene editing. It also provides an overview of works mentioned by our respondents that might serve as useful references in the debate.

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