Taking Biology Seriously

Inmaculada de Melo-Martín, previously Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX, is now a Research Ethicist in the Division of Medical Ethics in the Department of Public Health, Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

In an age of genetic information and promised enhancements, we wonder what biology can tell us – and what it can’t — about how we should live. This superbly clear and sensible book, written by a philosopher trained in biology, is a perfect introduction to this important question. Professor DeMelo-Martin takes us briskly through central social controversies concerning intelligence, aggression, gender, cloning, and genetics, on a guided tour of blind alleys, inaccurate assumptions, and logical mistakes. DeMelo-Martin shows exceptional skill in guiding the reader through complex terrain with balance and objectivity. This book holds rewards for scientists, philosophers, students, and citizens. It provides ideal stepping-off points for classroom discussions and public debates.

• Chapter 1 Misunderstanding Biology: Epistemological, Scientific, and Moral ProblemsChapter 2 Biological Explanations and Social ResponsibilityChapter 3 An Introduction to the Science of CloningChapter 4 Cloning—or not—Human BeingsChapter 5 Putting Human Cloning Where It belongsChapter 6 Obtaining Genetic InformationChapter 7 Genetic Information and Moral ObligationChapter 8 Moral Obligations, Genetic Information, and Social ContextChapter 9 On the Need to Take Biology SeriouslyPart 22 Genetic Information and Moral Obligations