Future Bioethics: Overcoming Taboos, Myths, and Dogmas [Hardcover]

Ronald A. Lindsay (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1591026245 | ISBN-13: 978-1591026242

few areas of public policy have been fraught with as much controversy as bioethics. Each novel development in biomedical technology seems to spark rancorous disputes. Those averse to new technologies often express the concern that the new technology is 'unnatural' or requires us to 'play God'. Slogans such as 'Frankenfoods' and 'sanctity of life' substitute for reasoned argument. This is an ambitious book that seeks to reframe the debates surrounding current controversies in bioethics. Carefully examining and dissecting claims made by many policy-makers and ethicists on topics such as assistance in dying, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research, bioethicist Ronald A Lindsay shows that all too often these claims are based on instinctive reactions, beliefs that lack factual support, and religious or ideological dogma. After describing in detail the proper way to approach and resolve a dispute in bioethics, Lindsay proceeds to analyse several different cutting-edge issues. Through his insightful analysis, Lindsay demonstrates how to achieve pragmatic, progressive solutions to these controversies. An antidote for misguided thinking, "Future Bioethics" illuminates the way forward to bioethics policies appropriate for the 21st century.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his first book, lawyer and philosopher Lindsay, a PhD in bioethics, presents thoroughly researched arguments concerning several well-known and emerging bioethics issues: genetically modified foods, physician-assisted death for the terminally ill, conscientious objection by healthcare workers, genetic enhancement of human beings, and stem cell research. To start, Lindsay discusses common morality, that which is accepted by "virtually everyone" throughout time and cultures, and how that morality plays out with regard to new biomedical techniques: "Any attempt by humans to control and shape their lives in ways not previously contemplated by some religious tradition results in the claim that we are trying to 'play God.'" Looking at "substance, not semantics," Lindsay's preference for "a well-reasoned, pragmatic approach" doesn't preclude strong words for policymakers ("Saving embryos for the trash-that's the essence of the Bush administration policy on embryonic stem cell research"), but is largely apolitical and science-based. Though it reads a bit stiff, Lindsay's everyday-life analogies make this an interesting and accessible volume not only for those involved in biological sciences and healthcare, but for anyone concerned about these issues, and particularly public legislators.
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Review

"Bioethical debate has seldom been more vibrant, or more important. From discussions about abortion to end of life, bioethicists are there. Ronald Lindsay, a lawyer with a doctorate in bioethics, is particularly well placed to bring his voice to the arena in his new book, Future Bioethics. Discussions often begin from controversial positions that are entrenched in dogma. Lindsay's mission is to expose and debunk these myths. He does so in a book that is readable rather than obscure, and accessible to the interested lay person as well as to scholars in the field. Lindsay throws a number of powerful punches. Each chapter is richly informed by factual and theoretical discussion and approached in the common-sense way that Lindsay recommends. His use of practical examples to point out inconsistencies in arguments is vivid and gives the non-expert reader insight into these issues. Overall, in his readable, reasoned and accessible book that challenges the taboos of bioethics, Lindsay achieves what he set out to do." --Nature, International Weekly Journal of Science, October 23, 2008 "Issues such as assistance in dying, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research evoke a lot of instinctive reactions that often lack factual support. Lindsay, a bioethicist, provides an insightful analysis on how to achieve pragmatic solutions to these issues." --Bookviews.com, November 2008 "Future Bioethics would be useful as a supplemental reading for students in health care fields. Highly recommended." -- Choice, February 1, 2009

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 313 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591026245
• ISBN-13: 978-1591026242
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 1 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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