Overview

Humankind is currently witnessing an unprecedented revolution in the science of genetics but struggling with the moral dilemmas that these advances have created. With the Human Genome Project, gene therapy, and evidence that genes are directly linked to homosexuality, intelligence, and obesity, we see that genetic discoveries may have the power to change the course of human life. Critics condemn genetic technology as ""playing God,"" while optimists promise genetic cures for every disease, an enhanced human nature, or the emancipation of women through technology. Both camps agree that we need to develop a radically new ethics for this era. The Perfect Baby is a clarion call for a more realistic discussion of biotechnology. McGee challenges the common assumption that we are essentially determined by a genetic blueprint. He denies the necessity of a new ""Genethics,"" arguing that the wisdom we need can be found in the everyday experience of parents. The Perfect Baby dramatically alters the terms of the moral debate for parents, policymakers, scientists, philosophers, theologians, and physicians.

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9780847683444

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Reviews

McGee provides a highly readable and informative account of current and future uses of genetic technology.--Susanne Gibson Bioethics

The philosophical tradition of American pragmatism has had a fresh life in recent years. In McGee's hands it is richer, more suggestive . . . Not everyone will find The Perfect Baby acceptable, but McGee will give the opponents reason to pause. Weneed that kind of initiative, and McGee's book will provoke some useful, much needed debate.--Callahan, Daniel

He combines a rich body of clinical material with informed pragmatic critique.--Mary Briody Mahowald, University of Chicago

Author Information

Glenn McGee is assistant professor of bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania and senior fellow in health economics at the Leonard Institute of the Wharton School.

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