Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry [Paperback]

Gordon Graham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2002 | ISBN-10: 041525258X | ISBN-13: 978-0415252584 | Edition: 1

'It's all in the genes'. Is this true, and if so, what is all in the genes? Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is a crystal clear and highly informative guide to a debate none of us can afford to ignore.
Beginning with a much-needed overview of the relationship between science and technology, Gordon Graham lucidly explains and assesses the most important and controversial aspects of the genes debate: Darwinian theory and its critics, the idea of the 'selfish' gene, evolutionary psychology, memes, genetic screening and modification, including the risks of cloning and 'designer' babies.
He considers areas often left out of the genes debate, such as the environmental risks of genetic engineering and how we should think about genes in the wider context of debates on science, knowledge and religion. Gordon Graham asks whether genetic engineering might be introducing God back into the debate and whether the risks of a brave new genetic world outweigh the potential benefits.
Essential reading for anyone interested in science, technology, and philosophy, Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry is ideal for those wanting to find out more about the ethical implications of genetics and the future of biotechnology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...clear-headed, intricate and seductive arguments. Scientists and laypersons alike will find something within them to disagree with. But I'm equally sure that they'll be forced to reassess either some of their faith in, or fear of, genetic science.
–Independent on Sunday

... an excellent, readable and lively 'take' from the viewpoint of a moral philosopher ... I think Graham's book will greatly help to clarify the minds of many people who are confused by the media's approach, especially television, that often presents a kaleidoscope of different opinions.
–Dr. David Galton, author of In Our Own Image

Clear and level-headed . . . he has a lot of interesting and provocative things to say about both genetic science and genetic engineering. In particular, he has provided as clear and compelling an account of what is meant by playing God, and what is wrong with playing God, as I have seen.
–Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool

A provocative and always interesting addition to the literature on genetics.
–Arlene Judith Klotzko, Writer in Residence, Science Museum

About the Author

Gordon Graham is Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen and Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Philosophy, Technology and Science. He is also the author of Philosophy of the Arts (Routledge 1997) and The Shape of the Past (Oxford University Press 1997)

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 041525258X
• ISBN-13: 978-0415252584
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,559,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gordon Graham is Henry Luce III Professor of Philosophy and the Arts at Princeton Theological Seminary in the USA, and Adjunct Professor of Sacred Music at the Westminster Choir College of Rider University. He formerly taught philosophy in Scotland, first at the University of St Andrews (1975-95) and then at the University of Aberdeen (1996-2006). He has published both college textbooks and research monographs on a wide range of philosophical topics relating to art, education, ethics, politics, religion, and technology. The most recent is Theories of Ethics: an introduction to moral philosophy with classic readings(Routledge New York, January 2011).

At Princeton he is Director of the Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy, and editor of the Journal of Scottish Philosophy, which he founded in 2003. He is also founder of the International Association for Scottish Philosophy.

He is founding editor of The Kuyper Center Review, which publishes new work on themes in politics, education, religion and culture related to the neo-Calvinist tradition of thought, and especially the work of the 19th century Dutch theologian, politician and educator, Abraham Kuyper.

An Anglican priest ordained in the Scottish Episcopal Church, he currently holds a licence in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.