Atkinson, Gary M.

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epublications@Marquette

The Linacre QuarterlyVolume 53 | Number 2 Article 165-1-1986[Book Review of ] What Are They Saying AboutGenetic Engineering?, by Thomas A. ShannonGary M. AtkinsonFollow this and additional works at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnqPart of the Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, and the Medicine and Health SciencesCommonsRecommended CitationAtkinson, Gary M. (1986) "[Book Review of] What Are They Saying About Genetic Engineering?, by Thomas A. Shannon," The LinacreQuarterly: Vol. 53 : No. 2 , Article 16.Available at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnq/vol53/iss2/16I have focused on two points: (I) the theological thesis that the di vine purposes do not coincide with human well-being, and (2) the st ructures of moral relevance according to which moral significance is to be determined by references to the mUltiple "wholes" of which we are a part. I have suggested that these give rise to certain tensions. Neve rtheless. the vol umes remain a profound contribution to theological and et hical reflection. Any subsequent work, to be taken seriously. will have to meet the exact ing standards which they have set. -Brian V. Johnstone, C.SS.R . The Catholic University of America What Are They Saying About Genetic Engineering? by Thomas A. Shannon Nell' York. PaL/lisl Press. 1985. vi+ 103 pages. $4.95. This is quite a good littl e introduction to some of the et hi ca l issues associated with the field of genet ics . In a remarkably brief space of less than 100 pages. the au thor covers a variety of fie lds of contemporary investigation and highlights their et hical component s. He begins wi th three chapters that deal with the re lationsh ips between science (and scientists) and society. the control of potentially harmfu l knowledge. and the nature of human personhood and responsibilities to the future . Then the aut hor moves to a discussion of the a ttempt to understand human nature through genetics (sociobio logy); the use of reco mbinant DNA technology; techniques for ass isting human concept io n and birth (sperm banks, am niocentes is, in vitro fer tiliza t ion. embryo tra~sfer. sex selection. surrogate motherhood. the fetus as an independent pat ien t o f medica l trea tment) ; gene transfer as therapy for genetic disease; induced modifica tio ns of plant and an imal species; and economic issues pertaining to t he fu nding of and access to the new thera pies and technologies. The author constructs his discussion by citing prominent aut horities in the fie ld : Paul Ramsey. Daniel Callahan. Leon Kass. Karl Rahner. Ric ha rd McCormick. Josep h Fletcher. Jeremy Rifkin. the National Conference of Cathol ic Bishops. This book does not attempt to break new ground. and wou ld be of little use to someone a lready familiar with the field. But for the reader who is interested in gainingan overview of the ethical dimensions of current genetic theory and technology, the work will serve the purpose admirably. The author's general position is midd le-of-the road. cautious. He is more concerned to ach ieve a balanced position by noting the strengths of the various views than to critici7.e any of them in a systemat ic fas hio n. Although the scholar wou ld be unlikely to profit from a reading of this work. it cou ld be very helpful as a text for an introductory course in bioethics. May, 1986 -Gary M. Atkinson SI. Thomas College 89 

[Book Review of] \u3cem\u3eWhat Are They Saying About Genetic Engineering?\u3c/em\u3e, by Thomas A. Shannon

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[Book Review of] \u3cem\u3eWhat Are They Saying About Genetic Engineering?\u3c/em\u3e, by Thomas A. Shannon

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