Challenging Nature - The Clash Between Biotechnology and Spirituality

Zusatztext "A clearly written! trenchant defense of biotechnology...wise! realistic...a well-crafted argument." Informationen zum Autor Lee M. Silver is professor of molecular biology and public affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton Uni-versity, and author of Challenging Nature . He holds a Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard University, and he lives with his family in New Jersey and New York. Klappentext Stem cell research, genetically modified crops, animals developed with personalized human organs for transplantation, and other previously inconceivable biotech applications could increase the quality of all human lives and maximize the health of the biosphere. But ironically, as the science becomes more precise and transparent, it also becomes more contentious. In Challenging Nature , Silver argues that although they seem to have little in common, Christian fundamentalists opposed to embryo research and New Age organic food devotees are both driven by a deeply rooted fear that biotechnology—in some guise—challenges the sovereignty of a higher or deeper transcendent authority. In the short term, Silver writes, Eastern spiritual traditions will give Asian countries a research advantage. But over the millennia, human nature may have the potential to remake Mother Nature in the image of an idealized world. Zusammenfassung Stem cell research! genetically modified crops! animals developed with personalized human organs for transplantation! and other previously inconceivable biotech applications could increase the quality of all human lives and maximize the health of the biosphere. But ironically! as the science becomes more precise and transparent! it also becomes more contentious. In Challenging Nature ! Silver argues that although they seem to have little in common! Christian fundamentalists opposed to embryo research and New Age organic food devotees are both driven by a deeply rooted fear that biotechnology—in some guise—challenges the sovereignty of a higher or deeper transcendent authority. In the short term! Silver writes! Eastern spiritual traditions will give Asian countries a research advantage. But over the millennia! human nature may have the potential to remake Mother Nature in the image of an idealized world. ...

Product details

• Authors: Lee M Silver, Lee M. Silver
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 07.08.2007
• EAN: 9780060582685
• ISBN: 978-0-06-058268-5
• No. of pages: 464
• Dimensions: 135 mm x 203 mm x 27 mm
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Science: general issues, Philosophy of Science, molecular biology, Biology, life sciences, Spirituality and religious experience, Religion and beliefs, Impact of science and technology on society, Genetics (non-medical), Developmental biology, Religion and science, Agronomy and crop production, Computational biology / bioinformatics, SCIENCE: Life Sciences / Biology, RELIGION: ATHEISM, RELIGION: Religion & Science, RELIGION: Spirituality, SCIENCE: Philosophy & Social Aspects, SCIENCE: Life Sciences / Developmental Biology, SCIENCE: Ethics, RELIGION: Faith, SCIENCE: Bioinformatics