The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities [Paperback]

Philip Kitcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 1997

A critically praised survey explores the ethical, legal, political, and social concerns surrounding today's revolutionary genetic research, illustrated with examples, case studies, and scenarios drawn from real life and real science. Reprint. 15,000 first printing."

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

We stand at the edge, it seems, of a biotechnology revolution that may change society as fundamentally as has the information age. Philip Kitcher's The Lives to Come explains what biotechnology holds in store and grapples with the seemingly intractable moral and ethical questions that it raises: When should genetic screening be applied? When is abortion based on genetic information permissible? How should individuals' genetic makeup factor into their insurance eligibility? Kitcher is able to achieve a rare synthesis between lucid explanations of genetics as a science and expertly posed and argued questions that attempt to define its appropriate social context. He explains the numerous benefits that genetics proffers, but when it comes to addressing their impact he goes far beyond mere platitudes, thoughtfully weighing the alternatives and making concrete policy suggestions that address the fears--eugenics, economic stratification, privacy--that inevitably surround any discussion of the widespread applications of genetics.

From Publishers Weekly

Kitcher has written a searching, valuable guide to the immediate practical consequences and long-range implications of the new molecular genetics. The next decade, he predicts, will make possible hundreds, even thousands, of genetic tests to determine whether people carry genes that predispose them to various diseases or disabilities. He argues that the potential benefits of genetic testing must be carefully weighed against whether effective treatment exists. Stressing that gene replacement therapy is only one among many possible interventions, he foresees a patchwork of therapies, including dietary and environmental changes, to bring relief from hereditary disorders. A philosophy professor at UC San Diego, Kitcher believes that basic medical insurance should be available to everyone, yet he controversially suggests that insurers could demand higher premiums of those born with unlucky genes, provided that the difference in cost did not debar people from receiving coverage. He also wrestles thoughtfully with such issues as genetic screening of job applicants, whether the merciful abortion of a malformed fetus is morally justified and the use of DNA evidence in the courtroom.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (August 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684827050
• ISBN-13: 978-0684827056
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #706,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Philip Kitcher (New York, NY) is John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University. He is the author of twelve books, including Living with Darwin: Evolution, Design, and the Future of Faith; In Mendel's Mirror: Philosophical Reflections on Biology; Science, Truth, and Democracy; and The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities. Professor Kitcher was the first recipient of the Prometheus Prize awarded by the American Philosophical Association for "lifetime contribution to expanding the frontiers of research in philosophy and science." He is also the winner of many other awards, most recently the Award for Distinguished Service to the Columbia Core Curriculum, the Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award from Columbia University, the Lannan Foundation Notable Book Award (given for Living with Darwin), and the Friend of Darwin Award (given by the National Committee on Science Education).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible, argumentative, and up-to-date., November 21, 2000

By 

Vivette Garcia Deister "bio-philosopher with ... (Mexico City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities (Paperback)

This thorough analysis of the implications and responsibilities of "the loss of genetic innocence" (that is, the obtainment of knowledge on our DNA that can and will propose novel ways of conducting ourselves in society)is explored from practically every possible perspective. It is historically confronted with nazi eugenics as well as projected towards the twentyfirst century with a brave-new-world-type hypothetical "genetic report card" of every citizen. But most importantly, the author uses real and current situations to expose to the reader many plausible interpretations and uses of that genetic understanding. Unlike other reviews posted here, I do not believe that the key issue in this book is trying to decide which specific traits we should "select for or against" (or even who to clone), but to reflect upon how are we to decide, as a scientifically initiated society with major political and ethical responsibilities, what the demarcations for genetic health or sickness are, as well as when personal or collective actions need to be taken. In sum, how to take the best advantage of that knowledge -because we cannot ignore it-, without surrendering to its mistakes.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still relevant and useful, January 30, 2005

By 

Michael Ghedotti (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities (Paperback)

I use this book in a class covering biology and ethics. This is still the only book that I have found that addresses such a range of genetic ethical issues in an accessible way that doesn't overwhelm (or overly bore) students. I occasionally have to give students updates on where some of the technology is now (almost a dacade after the book was first published). In general students find it to be an enjoyable read as well as enlightening. I also thingk it is well written and is especially accessible to those with an interest in genetics who may not have a large amount of background. I wish an updated revised edition would be printed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of the moral issues surrounding genetics., March 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities (Paperback)

This book spends an equal amount of time explaining how genetic practices work - as it does discussing the moral implications of them; which i find nice. If you already fully understand your biology though - then the frist half might be a bore for you.