The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities

We stand at the edge, it seems, of a biotechnology revolution that may change society as fundamentally as has the information age. Philip Kitcher's The Lives to Come explains what biotechnology holds in store and grapples with the seemingly intractable moral and ethical questions that it raises: When should genetic screening be applied? When is abortion based on genetic information permissible? How should individuals' genetic makeup factor into their insurance eligibility? Kitcher is able to achieve a rare synthesis between lucid explanations of genetics as a science and expertly posed and argued questions that attempt to define its appropriate social context. He explains the numerous benefits that genetics proffers, but when it comes to addressing their impact he goes far beyond mere platitudes, thoughtfully weighing the alternatives and making concrete policy suggestions that address the fears--eugenics, economic stratification, privacy--that inevitably surround any discussion of the widespread applications of genetics.