PPR457: Social and Ethical Issues in Human Genetics

Objectives

This module examines developments in genomics relevant to those working in medicine, health care and law or training in those areas, and looks at the ethical/social debates these developments have caused. This module will examine the ways in which bioethical debates concerning human genome analysis are constructed through the application of particular forms of ethical argument.

It will also explore four main categories of issues associated with developments in human genome analysis: acquisition of genetic information (e.g. DNA sampling and databases); access to genetic information (e.g. the right to know and the right not to know); applications of genetic information (e.g. in criminal courts) and implications of genetic information (e.g. for personal responsibility).

This module forms the basis for analysis of current developments in genetic technology as applied to health care and the regulatory framework in UK and EU, the implications of specific genetic technologies drawing on ethical argument, legal knowledge and empirical research, the impact of developments in human genetics for the medicine, health care and legal practice.

Select Bibliography

Agar N. (2005) Liberal eugenics. In defence of human enhancement. Oxford: Blackwell

Fukuyama F. (2002) Our posthuman future. Consequences of the Biotechnological Revolution. New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Glover J. (2006) Choosing Children. Genes, Disability, and Design, Oxford University Press

Kerr A. (2004) Genetics and Society. Routledge

Parens E., Chapman A.R. and Press N. (2006) Wrestling with Behavioral Genetics. Science, ethics and public conversation. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press

Prainsack B and Buyx A. (2011) Solidarity: reflections on an emerging concept in bioethics. Nuffield Council on Bioethics. http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/sites/default/files/NCOB_Solidarity_report_FINAL.pdf
Sandel M. (2007) The case against perfection ethics in the age of genetic engineering.  Cambridge Mass: Belknap Press.

Tutton R. and Corrigan O. (eds) (2004) Genetic databases : socio-ethical issues in the collection and use of DNA. London: Routledge

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