Toward a philosophy of biotechnology: An essay

Paul T. Durbin

Resumen


In this paper, I try to sketch out the beginnings of a philosophy of biotechnology. First, I summarize efforts to date on the topic. I then turn to some other beginnings within the philosophy of technology, to which contributions I hope to make some additions. In order address an engineering philosophy of biotechnology, one must take into account the epistemological character of engineering sciences as both practical and descriptive. Thus, biotechnology is not simply applied biology. It is a highly complex ensemble of relationships with genetics and biological sciences, constrain by items such as management, the state of the art at any given time, and public and political inputs. Biotechnology may be the wave of the twenty-first century, but if the twentieth century has taught us anything, scientific and technological developments are fraught with social consequences, and in a democratic society, public discussion of such issues is indeed welcome.

 

Key words: Biotechnology, technology, engineering, epistemology, genetics, applied science, social consequences of technology, reductionism, public debate, state of the art.

 


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Referencias


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