Genome Ethics & Society
As the Genome Revolution gathers momentum, it is important to recognize that many of its implications for society will spark controversy. Some religion and ethics scholars, not to mention members of the public, have taken issue with genome technology to the extent that they believe it is being used to devalue human life or achieve unfair financial gain. Conversely, genome scientists and clinicians tend to see their work in terms of improving the quality of life and human health. The current debate on stem cells and the concomitant destruction of embryos in order to facilitate stem cell research designed to cure life-threatening illnesses is a microcosm of the larger issues that have often provoked consternation and heated rhetoric on all sides. As further scientific advances are made, these types of debates will only intensify. Duke has assembled a range of both secular and religious scholars in the humanities who have begun to delve into not only the substance of these debates, but also the ways in which they are promulgated: the language and the ways in which genome sciences and policy are communicated to the public. The goal is to understand both the media and the messages, and in doing so, find constructive ways of influencing the legal and policy manifestations of genome technology.