The future of DNA

This book summarizes the efforts and results of the first international Ifgene conference on presuppositions in science and expectations in society with respect to genetic engineering which was held at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, October 2-5, 1996. The Goetheanum provided a unique opportunity to gather people from diverse disciplines who have opposing attitudes on modern science and technology. It is due to this venue, among other things, that the participants were able to develop an open, power-free dialogue and could focus more on judgement-forming than a polarizing debate. This Ifgene conference could not have happened without the financial support from many private individuals and the following organisations listed in no particular order: Fetzer Foundation; Stichting Triodos; Evidenzgesellschaft; Mahle Stiftung GmbH; Gemeinnlitzige Treuhandstelle e. Y. Bochum; Initiative gegen 'Bioethik'; Verband fur anthroposophische Heilpadagogik - CHi Verband flir anthroposophische Heilpadagogik, Sozialtherapie und Sozialarbeit e. Y. - D; Stichting ter bevordering van de Heilpaeda gogie; Iona Stichting; Antroposofische Vereniging in Nederland; Stichting Klaverblad; Swissair & Crossair; The Rudolf Steiner Association; The Welcome Association; Anthro posophische Gesellschaft in Deutschland; Helixor Heilmittel GmbH & Co; Goethea num Dornach; Verein flir anthroposophisches Heilwesen e. Y. - D; The Oakdale Trust; Unilever Nederland BV; NV Verenigde Bedrijven Nutricia; Migros-Genossenschafts Bund; Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Visserij; CIBA; Stichting Elise Mathilde Fonds; Anthroposophic Society Australia; Therexsys; COOP Schweiz and selected speakers (G. Stotzky - USA, H. A. de Boer - NL, J. Girard-Bascou - F, P. G.

Klappentext

The rapid progress in biological and biomedical sciences in the last twenty years has brought with it an extensive development of the methods of molecular genetics. This has had impacts on society in many fields. Practical applications in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, food design and biotechnology are firmly established and will grow enormously in the years to come. The scientific views of DNA and genes which underpin these applications are challenging our fundamental concepts of life, nature, society and humanity. It is beyond doubt that these developments need to be evaluated and reflected upon, both from a scientific and philosophical point of view, as well as from a cultural and social perspective. This book provides a wide range of discussions about the effects of DNA thinking in science and society, in biology and in relation to what it is to be human. Insights are provided into trans-disciplinary approaches and divergent views are compared. The reports on the plenary discussions and the many workshops show progress towards a power-free dialogue, i.e. an exchange of thoughts, free of economic and political pressure. The viewpoints of a variety of specialists, including scientists (microbiologists, molecular geneticists and clinical researchers), clinicians, philosophers and members of NGOs are presented. The contents will be of particular interest to those involved in genetic engineering, from students to policy makers, who face the challenge of the new technology in their work and who are looking for a substantial expansion and complementation of their basis for judgement forming.

Inhalt
1 Introduction II If gene coordinators.- DNA-Thinking in Science and Society.- 2 The limits of culture in biotechnology.- 3 The cultural powers of the gene identity, destiny and the social meaning of heredity.- 4 The archetypal gene the open history of a successful concept.- 5 Back to the future towards a spiritual attitude for managing DNA.- DNA In Living Organisms.- 6 DNA in the environment: ecological, and therefore societal, implications.- 7 DNA and the new organicism.- 8 DNA at the edge of contextual biology.- DNA and Human Biography.- 9 The role of genetic disposition in human health and disease bioethical aspects of DNA testing.- 10 Genomic instability a story of repair, cancer and evolution, with existential impact on the individual.- 11 Human biography and its genetic instrument.- Plenary Discussions.- 12 Practising a power free dialogue in the plenary sessions about modern biotechnology.- Workshops.- 13 Gene concepts in motion: from Mendel to molecules.- 14 DNA and food technology between natural food and food design.- 15 DNA and education.- 16 The biotechnology dialogue in the Netherlands.- 17 The genetification of our culture.- 18 DNA in context genes, organisms and evolution illustrated through algae and buttercups.- 19 Transgenic plants consequences and impacts for production and ecology.- 20 Intrinsic value of plants and animals: from philosophy to implementation.- 21 Does human retardation occur at the molecular level?.- 22 Genetic disabilities predictive diagnosis, gene therapy and communal care.- 23 Heredity, gene therapy and religion.- 24 Genetic engineering and xenotransplantation.- 25 Embryo, heredity and DNA.- Round Table Discussions.- 26 Meeting the person behind the scientist involved in gene technology summary of the round table discussions.- Closing Remarks And Reflection.- 27 Biotechnology as a socio-technical ensemble closing remarks and reflection.- 28 If gene network.