Abstract

The overall collection we present in Volume V constitutes a celebration of the approach and values embraced within previous volumes. While those acquainted with previous volumes of Ethics, Law & Society will note some marked differences in how we have gone about the work of editing, our hope is that the approach we bring is seen as enriching the work, and building on what has been a highly successful series. To a large degree, however, it has not been possible to emulate what our rather formidable predecessors have achieved, even if many of the concerns which Jenny and Søren had embraced in previous volumes have continued purchase and find their natural home here too. Jenny and Søren, both prominent bioethicists, not only encouraged contributions which explored ethical and regulatory perspectives around the body, genetic technologies, life sciences and the life course, but also sought to embrace far broader concerns relating to the environment, conflict and war, and to issues which are every bit as crucial to our lived experience, such as the use and management of information. All of these concerns relate to our experience of being human and as such, it seems arbitrary – if one is genuinely concerned with social flourishing – to prioritize the kinds of concerns for inclusion in any given collection to specific themes.