Product Description

Breakthroughs in genetics present us with a promise and a predicament. The promise is that we will soon be able to treat and prevent a host of debilitating diseases. The predicament is that our newfound genetic knowledge may enable us to manipulate our nature - to enhance our genetic traits and those of our children. Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate, why? What is wrong with re-engineering our nature? "The Case against Perfection" explores these and other moral quandaries connected with the quest to perfect ourselves and our children. Michael Sandel argues that the pursuit of perfection is flawed for reasons that go beyond safety and fairness. The drive to enhance human nature through genetic technologies is objectionable because it represents a bid for mastery and dominion that fails to appreciate the gifted character of human powers and achievements. Carrying us beyond familiar terms of political discourse, this book contends that the genetic revolution will change the way philosophers discuss ethics and will force spiritual questions back onto the political agenda. In order to grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions largely lost from view in the modern world. Since these questions verge on theology, modern philosophers and political theorists tend to shrink from them. But our new powers of biotechnology make these questions unavoidable. Addressing them is the task of this book, by one of America's pre-eminent moral and political thinkers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78746 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Michele Pridmore-Brown, Times Literary Supplement, 18/04/08
"Sandel's thin volume is adapted from an essay he wrote in 2004 for the Atlantic
Monthly. The essay stood out then for its thoughtful insights on the moral dilemmas
involved in engineering our natures. He has expanded his essay's arguments in this
book."

About the Author
Michael J. Sandel is Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government, Harvard University, and author of Democracy's Discontent (Belknap - 978-0-674-19745-9 - GBP 11.95 - Pbk) and Public Philosophy (978-0-674-02365-9 - GBP 10.95 - Pbk).

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully written, poor argument
This is a very short, but interesting treatise on the subject of the ethics of genetic interventions. Sandel's writing is exemplary and allows you to easily follow his reasoning. Unfortunately, his main claim is one that could not possibly be substantiated. Still, I strongly suggest you read this book, especially if you do not have the patience for something like 'From Chance and Choice, Genetics & Justice' (see my review there).