Biologically Modified Justice [Paperback]

A novel account of distributive justice which takes advances in the biomedical sciences and global aging seriously.This book examines the ethical and social implications of the genetic revolution through topics including gene therapy, age retardation and sex selection screening technologies. It will appeal to students and scholars in a variety of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and life sciences.This book examines the ethical and social implications of the genetic revolution through topics including gene therapy, age retardation and sex selection screening technologies. It will appeal to students and scholars in a variety of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and life sciences.Theories of distributive justice tend to focus on the issue of what constitutes a fair division of 'external' goods and opportunities; things like wealth and income, opportunities for education and basic liberties and rights. However, rapid advances in the biomedical sciences have ushered in a new era, one where the 'genetic lottery of life' can be directly influenced by humans in ways that would have been considered science fiction only a few decades ago. How should theories of justice be modified to take seriously the prospect of new biotechnologies, especially given the health challenges posed by global aging? Colin Farrelly addresses a host of topics, ranging from gene therapy and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, to an 'anti-aging' intervention and the creation and evolution of patriarchy. This book aims to foster the interdisciplinary dialogue needed to ensure we think rationally and cogently about science and science policy in the twenty-first century.Introduction; 1. The genetic revolution; Part I. The Duty to Aid in an Aging World: 2. Empirical ethics and Singer's principle of preventing bad occurrences; 3. The duty to extend the biological warranty period; 4. Equality and the duty to retard human aging; 5. Framing the inborn aging process and longevity scilc¥