|
Article Excerpt
"We used to think our fate was in the stars. Now we know [it] is in
our genes." --James Watson, 1989 (2)
Genetic determinism and genetic reductionism are important concepts that, in the latter half of the twentieth century, have caused the geneticization of medical and social issues. (3) In turn, the idea of genetic exceptionalism became prevalent in legislative and policy development. Exceptionalism, which has arisen with issues relating to HIV, (4) is associated with the idea that certain material and information is distinct from standard material or information and requires special governance for its acquisition, possession, and use. As a result of genetic exceptionalism, laws and policies around the world in the areas of informed consent, privacy, patenting and discrimination, have been influenced in different ways and at varying levels. The purpose of this study is to examine this influence as there is little discourse on the impact of genetic determinism and exceptionalism on policy development.
There are several theories that have developed about the role of genetics in human existence. The most commonly used terms are determinism, reductionism, essentialism, and exceptionalism. Determinist theory provides that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent causes; denying the possibility of...
|
|
More articles from Health Law Review
Assessing the science of genetically modified crops: the new frontier ..., March 22, 2007
Kant's antipode: Nietzche's transvaluation of human dignity and its "i..., March 22, 2007
Possible consequences of remedy in Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser.(..., March 22, 2007
Media portrayal of conflicts of interest in biomedical research.(Canad..., March 22, 2007
Learning to swim with salmon: pilot evaluation of journalism as a meth..., March 22, 2007
Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.
Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication
name or publication date.
About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company
analysis or best practices in managing your organization,
Goliath can help you meet your business needs.
Our extensive business information databases empower business
professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible,
authoritative information they need to support their business
goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting,
company research or defining management best practices -
Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.
|
|
