Choice Reviews Online · 2002 · 1.8K citations · 0 references
Public HealthBiologyBiotechnologyBioethicsEthicsGenetic EngineeringBiotechnology EthicsGenetic EthicsGenetic Research EthicsHuman BiologyMoral PhilosophyReproductive EthicsBiotechnological EthicsGenetic Engineering EthicsHuman-nature ConnectednessHuman-nature InteractionsPosthuman EcologiesPosthuman FuturesReproductive Genetic EthicsResearch Ethics In Biotechnology
Recent breakthroughs in DNA technology now enable cloning, trait selection, and even creation of superhumans by combining human genes with those of other species. The book asks whether such biotechnological powers are desirable, what moral and political consequences they entail, and whether they threaten the concept of human nature or the very existence of humanity.
The dramatic advances in DNA technology over the last few years are the stuff of science fiction. It is now not only possible to clone human beings it is happening. For the first time since the creation of the earth four billion years ago, or the emergence of mankind 10 million years ago, people will be able to choose their children's' sex, height, colour, personality traits and intelligence. It will even be possible to create 'superhumans' by mixing human genes with those of other animals for extra strength or longevity. But is this desirable? What are the moral and political consequences? Will it mean anything to talk about 'human nature' any more? Is this the end of human beings? Post Human Society is a passionate analysis of the greatest political and moral problem ever to face the human race.