Genes: A Philosophical Inquiry Book

Preface 1. Science and the Self-image of society Icon and understanding - the fractured image: Einstein vs Frankenstein - science - technology - anti-science - explaining things - engineering things - 'pure' and 'applied'
2. Genetic Explanation Evolution and creationism - natural selection and 'the selfish gene' - survival of the fittest - altruism, homosexuality and sterility - irreducible complexity and the biochemical - sociobiology and evolutionary psychology - memetics
3. Genetic Engineering Genetic screening - genetic information - genetic modification - environmentalism - the precautionary principle - genetic research - the 'slippery slope' and the 'sanctity of life'
4. Playing God Secular versions of the sacred - genetic trespassing -rights and equality - human cloning - reproductive technologies - designer babies - procreative responsibility and the ethics of abortion - 'playing God' without God