The Frankenstein Syndrome: Ethical and Social Issues in the Genetic Engineering of Animals

This book is a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by genetically engineering animals, a powerful technology that has major implications for society. Unlike many other writers on this emotionally charged subject, the author attempts to inform, not inflame, the reader about the real problems society must address in order to manage this technology. In the first chapter of the book, Professor Rollin examines the claim that genetic engineering, like Dr. Frankenstein's hubristic attempts to create life, is inherently wrong because it is "against nature". Chapter 2 is concerned with the dangers of genetic engineering of animals as embodied in the popular imagination by Frankenstein's rampaging monster. The author proposes a democratic mechanism for public involvement in genetic engineering. Chapter 3 considers a neglected but significant ethical component - the welfare of the created animals. The author explains the new ethic emerging in society for the treatment of animals and shows how genetic engineering must be constrained by that ethic. Bernard Rollin is a professor of both philosophy, and physiology and biophysics, and he writes from a uniquely well-informed perspective on this topic. His style is nontechnical and anecdotal and will ensure that the book can be used in a wide range of courses on bioethics, biotechnology, veterinary medicine, and public policy. The book should also appeal to a general, nonacademic reader with a serious interest in genetic engineering.

This book is a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by genetically engineering animals, a powerful technology that has major implications for society. Unlike other books on this emotionally charged subject, the author attempts to inform, not inflame, the reader about the real problems society must address in order to manage this technology. Nontechnical and anecdotal in nature, written by a professor of philosophy, physiology and biophysics, this book will appeal to both specialists and general readers with an interest in genetic engineering.