Bioethics for Scientists

A dictionary definition of Bioethics is, 'the ethics, or moralprinciples and rules of conduct, of medical and biologicalresearch'. This book is an introductory text of just biological andnot medical bioethics. It covers the ethics of experimentation,including genetic manipulation, in plants and animals; ethics andbiodiversity, ethics and the environment.

There is increasing interest in bioethics - both in academia andby the media and the general public. Awareness of bioethics isincorporated into Biological / Environmental Science courses, plusthe first dedicated modular courses on bioethics are starting up.
* Includes case studies
* Has questions for students
* Chapters include environmental, animal, agricultural andreproductive ethics as well as a wide range of issues regardinggenetic manipulation. List of Contributors.

Preface.

Section 1: Setting the Scene.

Introduction to Ethics and Bioethics(Michael Reiss).

The Public Evaluation of Science and Technology (BarryBarnes).

Section 2: Ethics and the Natural World.

Introduction to Environmental Ethics(Christopher Southgate).

The Use of the Rainforest as a Test Case in Environmental Ethics(Christopher Southgate).

Environmental Ethics: Further Case Studies (Christopher Southgateand Alex Aylward).

Human Use of Non-Human Animals: A Biologist's View (David dePomerai).

Human Use of Non-Human Animals: A Philosopher's Perspective (R. G.Frey).

Section 3: Ethical Issues in Agriculture and Food Production.

GM Crops and Food: A Scientific Perspective (Steve Hughes and JohnBryant).

Questioning GM Foods(Sue Mayer).

The Patenting of Genes for Agricultural Biotechnology (SteveHughes).

Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries(Geeta Bharathan, ShantiChandrashekaran and Tony May).

Section 4. Ethical Issues in Biomedical Science.

Starting Human Life: The New Reproductive Technologies (LindaBaggott la Velle).

Genetic Information: Use and Abuse (Bartha Maria Knoppers).

Human Genetics and Genetic Enhancement (Peter Turnpenny and JohnBryant).

Patenting Human Genes: Ethical and Policy Issues (AudreyChapman).

Cloning of Animals and Humans (Harry Griffin).

Dealing with Death: Euthanasia and Related Issues (JohnSearle).

Animal Experimentation in Biomedical Research (Linda Baggott laVelle).

Glossary.

Index. "...I recommend this very readable book wholeheartedly..."(Biologist, December 2002)

"...valuable material...should be on the requiresreading list for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduatecourses..." (Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, Vol.20,2003)

"...it is a book that morally serious scientists should dip intoin order to help them engage in the scientific and ethicaldebate..." (Animal Welfare, August 2003)

"Biotechnologists and biomedical scientists who are interestedin understanding the ethical issues that their work raises wouldfind this book a useful introduction..." (Addiction Biology, June2003)

John A. Bryant is Professor Emeritus of Biosciences in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter in Exeter, UK.

Linda Baggot la Velle is Professor of Biology in Education, Institute of Education at the University of Plymouth in Plymouth, UK, and Visiting Professor of Education at Bath Spa University in the UK.

John F. Searle is the editor of Bioethics for Scientists, published by Wiley.

Bioethics for Scientists provides an introduction to the ethics of modern life sciences and encompasses a wide range of environmental, social, scientific and medical issues. Subjects such as global warming, GM crops and the recent advances in genetics and cloning affect all areas of society. Scientists in all fields are frequently reminded of their own responsibilities, not just within their own profession but also to society.

International experts provide in-depth discussion of these subjects with a clear understanding of the science involved, and explore different approaches and opinions which consider the implications of these issues on science and society. Bioethics for Scientists will show you how to think about the issues without trying to tell you what to think. Where relevant, case studies are included to support these discussions.

This book includes chapters on:

• environmental ethics
• use of natural resources
• experimental use of animals
• crop biotechnology and GM foods
• patenting life
• human reproduction and technology
• human genetics and genetic enhancement · cloning of humans and animals
• euthanasia and related issues

Written in a very readable style, Bioethics for Scientists is essential reading for students and researchers in biotechnology, life, environmental and other sciences, plus anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of this complex and fascinating area.

'[This book] specialises in the public understanding and attitudes towards biotechnology and the social and ethical implications of the new genetics?' Dr J R Downie, Division of Environmental & Evolutionary Biology, University of Glasgow, UK

'Unique emphasis on the environmental, agricultural and animal science contents' Dr Sana Loue, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CWRU School of Medicine, Ohio, USA