Reviews for In The Shadow of Progress: Being Human in the Age of Technology

The average rating for In The Shadow of Progress: Being Human in the Age of Technology based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-11-16 00:00:00 Bob Fuller "To question progress is a periolous enterprise, since those of us who are in a position to question it are typically its most fortunate beneficiaries. Blessed as we are to live in the age of modern science, gratitude is the only authentic response." So begins this authentic and thoughtful work on the ethics of biotechnology. For those interested in a primer on the subject - one brave enough to approach the ethical and moral dimensions of stem cell research and in vitro fertilization, this work should be at the top of your list. Although I don't necessarily agree with Cohen's conclusions in every case - each page of the book shows how productive thoughtful analysis can be, without the burden of ideology. We need more books of this quality - that seek to address the central dillemas of science and technololgy, without resorting to simplistic either/or debates. After reading Cohen's book, I'm filled with hope that there is room enough in this world for those who want to explore the ethical frontiers of our science with respect for the quiet dogmas of our past, but without reliance on them. All this despite the fact that Cohen makes little effort to hide his neo-conservative pedigree. What makes this book so surprising, is that despite his own personal philosophy, he warmly explores the perspectives of left and right, with concessions to both sides along the way. We need more thinkers, from across the political spectrum, to follow Cohen's lead, and explore these complex issues of our time with an open heart and an open mind. I'm thankful to have this book in my collection. There is much to recommend it.

Review # 2 was written on 2009-06-04 00:00:00 John Frost Sounded promising but didn't really deliver, in my opinion. Entirely focused on bioethics, for one thing; for another, it seemed to purport not to rely on revelatory religion and yet there was a strong overtone of what I would call superstition, as in, "Conception has always taken place in the womb, so we are violating some sacred rule if we take it out of the womb." If he had made an argument about why it was bad for society to do so, that would be one thing, but he totally shirks such a serious examination and instead constantly references the "sacred" and "mysterious." Whatever. There could've been a really thoughtful analysis of the consequences of the scientific era but this did not deliver, imho.