"Genetics is at the forefront of medicine today and also at the forefront of ethical and political controversy. Carol Barash is uniquely positioned to explore this moment of prospect and dilemma, because of her training as a philosopher and her lifetime of work in the field of genetic consulting. Barash's instincts for moral dilemma are as acute as her clarity about scientific advance, making this a textbook for students of genetics, but also for the wide berth of learners from the humanities and social sciences wishing to understand where this crucial science stands, and to think about its human costs and benefits." -- Daniel Herwitz, PhD, Director, Institute for the Humanities, Mary Fair Croushore, Professor of Humanites, University of Michigan "The genetics revolution links complex science to decisions that are both momentous and yet quotidian: Whom to tell or treat or warn? When? How much? But for too long we have lacked a comprehensive and accessible account of the ethical issues raised by such decisions--a pity, since ordinary patients, clinicians, scientists and policymakers will need to make these decisions, whether they want to or not. Dr. Barash's book therefore comes as a sorely needed unguent: A smart, readable and thorough account of some of civilization's most interesting and important ethical issues." -- Kenneth W. Goodman, Ph.D., Director, University of Miami Bioethics Program "Dr. Barash has provided a cogent work that will be beneficial to the variety of audiences living in a world rife with the application of genetic technology and its implications. The end-of-chapter exercises will be particularly useful in courses dealing with ethical issues in biology. A must read for people who want to be truly informed." -- Ann Kindfield, Ph.D., Peabody College, Vanderbilt University "By presenting the competing principles that make decision-making difficult for all of us, Just Genes provides the reader with much to think about regarding the ethics of genetics. Whether the reader is a student, ethicist, geneticist, or member of the general public, the format of the book will appeal to one and all. The exercises are especially interesting and provide a great tool to explore ones ideas about many different ethical issues, as well as to serve as discussion tools for a class. Everyone should read Just Genes to help guide them through these difficult issues in these very interesting of times." -- Vicky Holets Whittemore, Ph.D., Vice President & Director of Science, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance "Barash uses catchy titles but don't let this fool you into thinking this is not a heavyweight, well-scaffolded introduction to the key issues. Each chapter cuts to the heart of the issues, and challenges the reader to think critically about the competing ethical principles and values. The exercises for each issue help the reader dig in further and could be used by instructors to frame discussions or gauge students' growing ethical reasoning." -- Hilarie Davis, Ed.D., Technology for Learning Consortium Inc.
Carol Isaacson Barash is Principal of Genetics, Ethics & Policy Consulting, which she founded in 1994. She has worked with leading public and private institutions around the world to optimize the ethical integration of new genomic technologies and ensure that they comply with the highest ethical standards. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, BioIT World, BioNews, MSNBC, and other news outlets. She has published more than 25 articles and is contributing author to several books, including The Double-Edged Helix, Genetic Connections, Risk Vs. Risk: Tradeoffs in Protecting Health and Environment, and others. Previously, she directed the first federally funded study of genetic discrimination and has taught ethics courses at Boston University, Bentley College, and Lowell University.
Barash (independent consultant) addresses important topics
including cloning, genetic modification of foods, metabolism of
drugs, privacy, genes and behavior, and tissue banks in this
thought-provoking book. She raises questions that most students
will not have considered, e.g., the rightness of pursuing the Human
Genome Project for possible medical benefits when millions of US
citizens have no health insurance, and the most important ethical
issues associated with animal cloning. Barash does not prescribe
answers, but points out the complexities of the
questions….Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through
researchers/faculty.
*Choice*
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