Overview

This is a collection of philosophical essays on the ethical dimensions of agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified crops. Agricultural biotechnology refers to a diverse set of industrial techniques used to produce genetically modified foods. Genetically modified (GM) crops are plants manipulated at the molecular level to enhance their value to farmers and consumers. The ethical issues discussed address such concerns as the possibility of genetic engineering producing unanticipated allergens in previously safe foods, unexpectedly toxic health supplements, novel GM diseases, environmental catastrophe, bizarre new lines of animals possessing genes taken from humans, exceedingly wealthy corporations more powerful than the nations trying to regulate them, bankrupted family farmers in the US and Europe, exploited peasant farmers in developing countries, inhumanely treated animals in our labs and on our farms, and corrupted attitudes to nature among our children. In a narrative account of a journey that began in 1988 and ended twelve years later, the author tells the story of how he, an early and somewhat vocal critic of agricultural biotechnology, changed his mind about the ethical acceptability of GM organisms (GMO). Once tempted to oppose all uses of genetic engineering in agriculture, he came to believe that many uses are morally justifiable, and even required. This book explains his early, anti-GMO, position; the ethical, environmental, economic, social justice and animal rights arguments that led him to reverse himself; and the implications of his new position for public policy.

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9780792379874

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Reviews

'Vexing Nature? is an intriguing intellectual adventure in the ethical assessment of technology. Whereas Comstock was once almost a 'global opponent' of GM foods, he has since changed his mind, and is now a cautious champion. The book contains several surprising twists, and much rich philosophical analysis. It will clearly help to advance the international discussion of this subject. Should be required reading for anyone interested in the GM controversy.' Donald N. Duvick, Senior Vice-president Research, Pioneer Hi-Bred (retired), author of How much caution in the fields? (Science) 'This work is almost unprecedented in applied philosophy: a book that presents pro and con arguments by a man who has honestly and deeply felt the pull of the arguments on both sides. Comstock's struggle with the issues will enlighten them for all of us.' Paul B. Thompson, Joyce and Edward E. Brewer Professor of Applied Ethics, Purdue University, author of Food Biotechnology in Ethical Perspective 'Gary Comstock has woven these timely essays into an important narrative that will be of interest to everyone who recognizes the ethical challenges posed by biotechnology. There is much to be learned from these pages. I hope the book enjoys the wide readership it deserves.' Tom Regan, North Carolina State University, author of The Case for Animal Rights (1983) and Defending Animal Rights (2001) 'His discussion of bioethics raises issues of general interest to philosophers. This will make an excellent text for environment ethics and, more generally, for courses in science, technology, and values.' Choice, 39:02 (2001) 'It is therefore a worthwhile read for ethicists interested in agricultural biotechnology who are not already familiar with the work being done by agricultural ethicists on the issue, as well as for those working on the ethics of agricultural biotechnolopgy who are not already familiar with the subtleties of Comstock's revised position.' Environmental Values, 12:3 (2003)

Vexing Nature? is an intriguing intellectual adventure in the ethical assessment of technology. Whereas Comstock was once almost a 'global opponent' of GM foods, he has since changed his mind, and is now a cautious champion. The book contains several surprising twists, and much rich philosophical analysis. It will clearly help to advance the international discussion of this subject. Should be required reading for anyone interested in the GM controversy.' Donald N. Duvick, Senior Vice-president Research, Pioneer Hi-Bred (retired), author of How much caution in the fields? (Science) This work is almost unprecedented in applied philosophy: a book that presents pro and con arguments by a man who has honestly and deeply felt the pull of the arguments on both sides. Comstock's struggle with the issues will enlighten them for all of us.' Paul B. Thompson, Joyce and Edward E. Brewer Professor of Applied Ethics, Purdue University, author of Food Biotechnology in Ethical Perspective Gary Comstock has woven these timely essays into an important narrative that will be of interest to everyone who recognizes the ethical challenges posed by biotechnology. There is much to be learned from these pages. I hope the book enjoys the wide readership it deserves.' Tom Regan, North Carolina State University, author of The Case for Animal Rights (1983) and Defending Animal Rights (2001) His discussion of bioethics raises issues of general interest to philosophers. This will make an excellent text for environment ethics and, more generally, for courses in science, technology, and values.' Choice, 39: 02 (2001) It is therefore a worthwhile read for ethicists interested in agricultural biotechnology who are not already familiar with the work being done by agricultural ethicists on the issue, as well as for those working on the ethics of agricultural biotechnolopgy who are not already familiar with the subtleties of Comstock's revised position.' Environmental Values, 12: (2003)

Author Information

Gary L. Comstock is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Coordinator of the Bioethics Program, at Iowa State University (ISU), USA. Comstock is best known as the director of the ISU Bioethics Institute, a faculty development workshop that has helped hundreds of life scientists from around the world to integrate discussions of ethics into their courses. He has published dozens of articles; edited the volume, Is There A Moral Obligation to Save the Family Farm? (ISU Press, 1987), compiled Religious Autobiographies (Wadsworth, 1995), and is editing a collection of essays titled Life Science Ethics. A popular speaker who has lectured across Europe, Canada, Central America, and East Asia, he won his College's Award for Excellence in Outreach in 1998.

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