Description
Now head of research and legal affairs at the Center for Inquiry in Washington, D.C., Lindsay previously practiced law in Washington, D.C. and taught jurisprudence and philosophy at Georgetown U. and American U. He examines several controversial issues in bioethics in a text designed to be academic but accessible to the general reader, including the legalization of physician assistance in dying for the terminally ill; conscientious objection by healthcare workers and other types of workers, and by institutions; genetically altered food; self-improvement resulting from a drug or modification of one's genes; and embryonic stem cell research. For each topic, Lindsay lays out the factual and moral premises that he will use in his reasoning, and then analyzes the flaws in the various taboos, myths, and dogmas that continue to influence public policy in these areas, to the detriment of our health and well-being. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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few areas of public policy have been fraught with as much controversy as bioethics. Each novel development in biomedical technology seems to spark rancorous disputes. Those averse to new technologies often express the concern that the new technology is 'unnatural' or requires us to 'play God'. Slogans such as 'Frankenfoods' and 'sanctity of life' substitute for reasoned argument. This is an ambitious book that seeks to reframe the debates surrounding current controversies in bioethics. Carefully examining and dissecting claims made by many policy-makers and ethicists on topics such as assistance in dying, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research, bioethicist Ronald A Lindsay shows that all too often these claims are based on instinctive reactions, beliefs that lack factual support, and religious or ideological dogma. After describing in detail the proper way to approach and resolve a dispute in bioethics, Lindsay proceeds to analyse several different cutting-edge issues. Through his insightful analysis, Lindsay demonstrates how to achieve pragmatic, progressive solutions to these controversies. An antidote for misguided thinking, "Future Bioethics" illuminates the way forward to bioethics policies appropriate for the 21st century.
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