Genetic Engineering - (Primary Documents in American History and Contemporary Issue) by Thomas a Shannon (Hardcover)

About the Book

Explore the late 20th-century history and development of plant, animal, and human genetics in this collection of 135 documents. Included are samples of commentaries on these scientific developments from the scientists themselves, government departments, ethicists, religious leaders, and various interest groups. Students, teachers, and interested readers can use this valuable resource to trace the different arguments and concerns surrounding the controversial topic of genetic engineering. Arranged topically, and highlighting in particular the human genome project, which seeks to map the entire human genome, this valuable resource provides an excellent background for research and debate with its broad range of pro and con opinions.

The easy to use format allows the reader to focus on one particular aspect of genetic engineering or to compare and contrast the arguments presented in more than one area. The six different areas include: Animal Applications, Agriculture, The Human Genome Project, Issues in Research, Ethical Issues, and Cloning. The documents in each section, carefully selected to represent a wide range of positions, present samples of social, ethical, and religious commentary that have evolved due to developments in modern genetics as they relate to plants, animals, and humans. Such developments include the applications of these technologies to create transgenic crops, to patent animals, to provide gene therapy for humans, and to clone plants and animals, as well as possibly cloning humans. Shannon's volume will be a welcome resource for those looking to explore these issues from as many different angles as possible.

Book Synopsis

Explore the late 20th-century history and development of plant, animal, and human genetics in this collection of 135 documents. Included are samples of commentaries on these scientific developments from the scientists themselves, government departments, ethicists, religious leaders, and various interest groups. Students, teachers, and interested readers can use this valuable resource to trace the different arguments and concerns surrounding the controversial topic of genetic engineering. Arranged topically, and highlighting in particular the human genome project, which seeks to map the entire human genome, this valuable resource provides an excellent background for research and debate with its broad range of pro and con opinions.

The easy to use format allows the reader to focus on one particular aspect of genetic engineering or to compare and contrast the arguments presented in more than one area. The six different areas include: Animal Applications, Agriculture, The Human Genome Project, Issues in Research, Ethical Issues, and Cloning. The documents in each section, carefully selected to represent a wide range of positions, present samples of social, ethical, and religious commentary that have evolved due to developments in modern genetics as they relate to plants, animals, and humans. Such developments include the applications of these technologies to create transgenic crops, to patent animals, to provide gene therapy for humans, and to clone plants and animals, as well as possibly cloning humans. Shannon's volume will be a welcome resource for those looking to explore these issues from as many different angles as possible.

Review Quotes

"I became increasingly impressed with the depth of understanding and thoughtfulness displayed by Tom in selecting materials for inclusion in this volume....the materials have been woven together in a clear, informative, yet highly engaging writing style....I can't wait to recommend the completed work to my students. Tom has managed to accomplish a difficult task with great skill....I believe this book to be a particularly valuable embodiment of a wonderful idea."-David G. Werner Science Supervisor K-12 Upper Moreland School District

.,."is helpful as a means to start thinking about the benefits and burdens of genetic engineering."-Journal of the History of Biology

?...is helpful as a means to start thinking about the benefits and burdens of genetic engineering.?-Journal of the History of Biology

?[a] good introduction to docunetary sources in the field.?-E-Streams

?[A] valuable, as well as fascinating resource.... Recommended.?-The Book Report

?Students seeking primary sources will greatly appreciate the organization and content of this book....Shannon's title basically is....helpful for the student researching the pros and cons of biotechnology?-VOYA

?This is the text equivalent to Paul Gaugin's "Where Do We Come from? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" It deserves as wide an audience as that painting.?-American Reference Books Annual

"Ýa¨ good introduction to docunetary sources in the field."-E-Streams

"ÝA¨ valuable, as well as fascinating resource.... Recommended."-The Book Report

..."is helpful as a means to start thinking about the benefits and burdens of genetic engineering."-Journal of the History of Biology

"[a] good introduction to docunetary sources in the field."-E-Streams

"[A] valuable, as well as fascinating resource.... Recommended."-The Book Report

"This is the text equivalent to Paul Gaugin's "Where Do We Come from? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" It deserves as wide an audience as that painting."-American Reference Books Annual

"Students seeking primary sources will greatly appreciate the organization and content of this book....Shannon's title basically is....helpful for the student researching the pros and cons of biotechnology"-VOYA

About the Author

THOMAS A. SHANNON is Professor of Religion and Social Ethics in the Department of Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute./e He is the author and editor of many books and articles on bioethics and Catholic social teaching.