Neste trabalho, procuro explorar o significado filosófico da chamada hipótese do continuum de Darwin e a possibilidade de atribuir mente ou mentalidade a criaturas não-humanas: de um lado, temos o chamado problema de ‘distribuição dos fenômenos mentais’ na recente Etologia Cognitiva; e, de outro, o problema filosófico ‘outras mentes’. Assim, o trabalho procurar indicar uma possível ponte conceitual entre problemas em Filosofia da Mente e estudos em Etologia Cognitiva. Esta é, portanto, uma abordagem interdisciplinar entre filosofia e biologia tendo em (...) vista uma concepção ampla de mente ou mentalidade. (shrink)

Iris Murdoch, Philosopher Meets Novelist aims to gather some of the worlds present experts on Iris Murdoch, in an effort to promote dialogue between philosophy and literature. This is due not only to the nature of Iris Murdochs work itself, but also to our belief that within Humanistic Studies there is a constant need for breaking down disciplinarian barriers and reaching a deeper, fuller awareness of human thinking. Thus, the book brings together scholars from a variety of fields and placesBrazil, (...) England, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Taiwan, and the United Statesand testifies to the interest that the work of Murdoch continues to inspire. The book is divided into two major sections: Part A, Reading Philosophies in Literature, includes articles focusing on Iris Murdochs philosophical concerns and their general influence in her work; Part B, Reading Literature through Philosophy, is intended as a sort of application ground, a series of case-studies wherein authors depart from novels to retrieve the underlying philosophical thinking. (shrink)

In 2000 “Literatura e Utopia”, a research group led by Ildney Cavalcanti, started working at the Federal University of Alagoas, including members from three other institutions. Despite its namesake, the group focuses extensively on cultural as well as literary aspects of utopian thinking, with special regard for the colonial and postcolonial viewpoints of Latin America. The group has been responsible for two issues of the university’s language and literature journal Leitura. They also penned the 2006 volume Fábulas da Iminência. Ensaios (...) sobre literatura e... (shrink)

Esta investigação, partindo do diagnóstico da modernidade empreendido por Alasdair MacIntyre, destina-se a avaliar a possibilidade de conciliação entre o discurso universalizante dos direitos humanos e a ética particularista sustentada pelo autor citado a partir do referencial ético aristotélico. A convergência entre os bens individuais, consubstanciados em direitos, e o bem comum, componente essencial da prática e do pensamento éticos, pode representar relevante contribuição teórica no campo de estudos dos direitos humanos. Neste trabalho, dada a limitação da sua natureza, intentou-se (...) analisar os três problemas intrínsecos à concepção de direitos, conforme a perspectiva de MacIntyre: a) a ideia de que sujeitos de direitos são indivíduos morais autônomos e plenamente independentes; b) a separação do bem individual do bem comum; c) a deflação da razão prática comunitária, em relação à racionalidade individual. O trabalho empreendido teve como resultado uma exposição analítica dos pontos de contraste entre a perspectiva dos direitos humanos e a ética conforme compreendida por MacIntyre, necessária para preparar bases de uma possível reconciliação entre ambas. (shrink)

Este artigo investiga as posições do liberalismo político de John Rawls e do republicanismo de Hannah Arendt em relação ao humanismo cívico e ao republicanismo clássico. Defende que o republicanismo de Arendt não deve ser considerado um humanismo cívico abrangente e que há uma proximidade entre o liberalismo político e o republicanismo clássico, pois sustenta que um perfeccionismo minimalista baseado em virtudes políticas informa as duas teorias.

A crise sanitária global provocada pela Covid-19 impôs um cenário crítico de escassez de recursos médicos. As pessoas com deficiência, nessas circunstâncias, são sujeitadas a maior vulnerabilidade do que ocorreria em circunstâncias normais. À luz dessa realidade, nos propomos a apresentar alguns critérios de alocação de recursos empregados durante a crise, destacando seu caráter nocivo para às pessoas com deficiência, e analisar de que forma o princípio da não-discriminação pode, se tomado como referência, contribuir para a reflexão ética e política (...) sobre os protocolos de racionamento. (shrink)

São escassas as investigações sobre problemas internalizantes em adultos brasileiros. Estudos epidemiológicos apontam que ansiedade e depressão são mais comuns em mulheres. Este estudo apresenta uma investigação com 240 adultos de diferentes municípios da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista, com uso do Adult Self Report. Dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial, considerando a variável sexo. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres da amostra em termos de problemas internalizantes, ansiedade/depressão, retraimento e queixas somáticas. Resultados são discutidos (...) à luz de dados epidemiológicos sobre transtornos mentais em outros recortes populacionais brasileiros. Ficam sugeridos novos estudos com ampliação de amostra. (shrink)

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a qualidade de vida em pessoas com câncer que buscam assistência em casas de apoio. A amostra foi composta por mulheres (82,5%) e homens (17,5%), (N=57). A metodologia foi quanti-qualitativa. Utilizou-se um questionário sócio demográfico, a escala de qualida..

Este artigo apresenta tradução – a primeira para o português – e análise dos argumentos dos dois fragmentos supérstites de Sobre a Harmonia Feminina (Peri gunaikos harmonias), atribuído a Perictione, dita filósofa pitagórica. Ele pretende contribuir ao debate sobre o feminino na Antiguidade ­– tema do presente dossiê – ao discutir a autoria feminina de um discurso sobre a virtude das mulheres e argumentar que este é plausivelmente o mais antigo texto a atribuir às mulheres a tarefa de gerar a (...) afeição (philia) na família e em suas extensões em todas as circunstâncias. Palavras-chave: Perictione; harmonia; pitagorismo; mulheres; filósofas. (shrink)

O artigo busca refletir sobre a trajetória do filósofo francês Jean-Paul Sartre e sobre os elementos encontrados em suas reflexões que podem inspirar um fazer para a psicologia clínica no contemporâneo. Neste esforço, partiremos de um olhar para a biografia de Sartre desde seus primeiros anos até a compreensão da inexorável conexão entre existente e mundo. Olhando para a noção de engajamento defendida por Sartre, apontaremos para algumas questões políticas e sociais as quais ele correspondeu em seu tempo. Em seguida, (...) olharemos para questões contemporâneas que suas proposições nos auxiliam a pensar e em como sua filosofia nos acena para caminhos possíveis para um fazer clínico que seja engajado no horizonte histórico que é o nosso. (shrink)

Tradução de Sobre a Natureza Humana, um texto em dialeto dórico transmitido unicamente por Estobeu (Eclogarum, I. 49.27) e atribuído a Aesara de Lucânia, pitagórico.

A Psicologia Comunitária pode ser defi nida como uma área da Psicologia Social da Libertação (Góis, 2005), voltada para a compreensão da atividade comunitária como atividade social significativa e consciente e para a compreensão dos seus reflexos nas dimensões objetivas e subjetivas. O presente arti..

A coletânea apresenta, sob a forma de artigos, problemas e soluções associados ao conceito e substância ao longo da história da filosofia. Sem pretender exaurir esse percurso, a coletânea contém 29 artigos redigidos por diversos especialistas brasileiros em Filosofia. Sua proposta é oferecer uma visão clara, acessível, precisa e atualizada desse recorte da história do conceito de filosofia, na expectativa de contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento do ensino e debate de filosofia no país. -/- The anthology presents, through a series of (...) articles, the intricacies of problems and solutions intertwined with the concept of substance across the annals of philosophical history. While not seeking to comprehensively cover this vast terrain, the collection comprises 29 articles penned by a diverse array of Brazilian specialists in Philosophy. Its overarching aim is to furnish a lucid, accessible, precise, and contemporaneous perspective on this facet of philosophical inquiry, with the aspiration of enriching the landscape of philosophical education and discourse in Brazil. (shrink)

Em Imagem-tempo Deleuze quando do quarto comentário a Bergson fala em cinema do tempo remetendo a Orson Welles e ao filme Cidadão Kane. O cinema do tempo é apresentado a partir de três caracteres de um tempo não cronológico. Deleuze aponta para uma condição do cinema do tempo ao propor a substituição de uma vista pragmática longitudinal por uma visão ótica, vertical, em profundidade. A profundidade de campo é trabalhada enquanto um elemento conceitual no trato de uma metafísica da memória (...) em diálogo com as bases do cinema moderno, nesse sentido, os três caracteres de um tempo não cronológico e a inserção de uma nova relação entre tempo e espaço no cinema são constituintes de uma imagem tempo direta cujo problema filosófico perpassa a inserção do movimento no pensamento. O encontro do quarto comentário em Imagem-tempo com o primeiro comentário a Bergson em Imagem-movimento é o percurso para compreender a importância da profundidade de campo. Assim o cinema do tempo de Welles é entendido como o cinema de uma metafísica da memória a partir de duas fontes: o esforço atual de evocação para suscitar a imagem-lembrança e a exploração das zonas virtuais de passado para encontrar a imagem-lembrança. (shrink)

En este trabajo se expone el debate entre Neurath y Horkheimer como ejemplo de recuperación de los aspectos políticos del Círculo de Viena, olvidados en la visión tradicional, que ayudarán a tener una mejor comprensión de las diversas posiciones de los miembros del Círculo. Se intenta mostrar que gran parte del debate se debe a las diferencias políticas entre los contendientes y a sus diferentes concepciones sobre la filosofía, la ciencia y la razón, pero no a la falta de intereses (...) políticos de Neurath y del Círculo de Viena. In this work we will summarize the Neurath-Horkheimer debate as an example of the recovery of the Vienna Circle's political aspects that were forgotten in the traditional view, so as to achieve a better understanding of the different positions assumed by the Circle's members. Our intention is to show that much of this debate stems from their political differences and the contenders' diverse conceptions of philosophy, science and reason, but not from the lack of political interests in Neurath and the Vienna Circle. (shrink)

Este estudo discute a possibilidade de o Serviço Social construir conhecimentos a partir da realidade em que atua. Conclui-se que, embora aplicando conhecimentos oriundos de outras ciências, o Serviço Social produz conhecimentos em sua área específica. As dissertações de mestrado produzidas no período de 1981 a 1995 desvelam esses conhecimentos, sua relevância social, trazendo aportes para a solução dos problemas sociais da sociedade brasileira. Sua contribuição teórica situa-se, sobretudo, no campo das demandas e políticas sociais, embora também seja significativa sua (...) contribuição no aprofundamento das questões teórico-metodológicas do Serviço Social. Verificou-se, nos últimos anos, na produção estudada, a tendência de discussão dos novos paradigmas das ciências humanas e as novas exigências que serão impostas à profissão face às mudanças e avanços científico-tecnológicos do século XXI. (shrink)

One of the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic is that low-income countries were pushed further into extreme poverty, exacerbating social inequalities and increasing susceptibility to drug use/abuse in people of all ages. The risks of drug abuse may not be fully understood by all members of society, partly because of the taboo nature of the subject, and partly because of the considerable gap between scientific production/understanding and communication of such knowledge to the public at large. Drug use is a (...) major challenge to social development and a leading cause of school dropout rates worldwide. Some public policies adopted in several countries in recent decades failed to prevent drug use, especially because they focused on imposing combative or coercive measures, investing little or nothing in education and prevention. Here we highlight the role of neuroscience education as a valid approach in drug use education and prevention. We propose building a bridge between schools and scientists by promoting information, student engagement and honest dialogue, and show evidence that public policy regulators should be persuaded to support such science-based education programs in their efforts to effect important positive changes in society. (shrink)

Several countries maintain universal health coverage, which implies responsibility to organize delivery formats of healthcare services and products for citizens. In Brazil, the health system has a principle of universal access for more than 30 years, but many deficiencies remain and the country observes a day practice for those seeking judicial decisions to determine provision of healthcare.

This book reassesses the seminal work of Wilhelm Wundt by discussing the history and philosophy of psychology. It traces the pioneering theorist's intellectual development and the evolution of psychology throughout his career. The author draws on little-known sources to situate psychological concepts in Wundt's philosophical thought and address common myths and misconceptions relating to Wundt's ideas. The ideas presented in this book show why Wundt's work remains relevant in this era of ongoing mind/brain debate and interest continues in the links (...) between psychology and philosophy. Featured topics include: Theoretical and philosophical foundations of Wundt's early work in scientific psychology. Wundt's conception of scientific philosophy in relation to his theory of knowledge. The epistemological dimensions of Wundt's final project in scientific psychology. Wundt and the Philosophical Foundations of Psychology is a valuable resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students in cognitive and related psychology and philosophy disciplines. ----- "Saulo Araujo raises Wundt scholarship to a new level. This book is the splendid result of intensive studies of the entire Wundt oeuvre." Horst Gundlach Heidelberg, Germany "Saulo Araujo, in his study of Wundt's philosophy and psychology, is as remarkable for the breadth and depth of his scholarship as he is for the clarity of his writing." Rand B. Evans Emeritus Professor of Psychology, East Carolina University "A milestone, this book serves to establish an advanced level in Wundt studies. Araujo presents a reconstruction of Wundt's epistemology and philosophy of psychology and corrects misunderstandings in the reception of Wundt's essential thoughts." Jochen Fahrenberg Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany. (shrink)

O presente livro é um projeto corajoso e desafiador, mas um projeto já bem sucedido, pois não é sempre que em nosso país um livro acadêmico deste tipo chegue a uma segunda edição. É corajoso por convidar o leitor para dialogar com os autores e com duas escolas importantes da filosofia e da psicologia que são em geral mal compreendidas. É desafiador tanto para os autores quanto para seus leitores, pois o behaviorismo radical de Skinner (ou seu comportamentalismo, como os (...) autores preferem) e o pragmatismo americano têm sido alvos de críticas que desconhecem seus fundamentos. Aproximar as ideias de Skinner, atualizando-as, daquelas dos pragmatistas, principalmente Dewey, Mead e, mais recentemente, Rorty, presta um inestimável serviço para a filosofia e para a psicologia. O diálogo que este livro propõe aborda temas que parecem extrapolar o domínio do tipo de psicologia experimental cujos fundamentos Skinner lançou e explorou em sua longa carreira. Mas esses temas são também objeto das reflexões de Skinner, sendo que seu texto em que isso é mais flagrante é o livro Beyond Freedom and Dignity (traduzido no Brasil com o título de O mito da liberdade). Os temas relativos à organização da sociedade, da convivência humana em larga escala, os temas éticos e políticos, não estão fora do escopo das considerações de Skinner e dos pragmatistas sobre o comportamento e a ação humana em geral. E este livro nos convida a explorar também este rico universo de conceitos e questões. Ao aceitar o convite dos autores para este diálogo, o leitor vai lidar com ideias das quais a filosofia tem se ocupado desde sempre (e Aristoteles é lembrado pelos autores mais de uma vez), mas que têm sido tratados com muita timidez pela psicologia, temas como a identidade pessoal e a liberdade. Mas para entendermos bem o behaviorismo radical, devemos refletir também sobre esses assuntos. -/- Luiz Henrique de Araújo Dutra UFSC/UnB/CNPq. (shrink)

Although science is our most reliable producer of knowledge, it can also be used to create ignorance, unjustified doubt, and misinformation. In doing so, agnotological practices result not only in epistemic harms but also in social ones. A way to prevent or minimise such harms is to impede these ignorance-producing practices. In this paper, I explore various challenges to such a proposal. I first argue that reliably identifying agnotological practices in a way that permits the prevention of relevant harms is (...) more difficult than it might appear. I focus on an identifying criterion that many find apt for the task: bad faith motives. I then consider an objection—that reliable criteria are unnecessary to successfully address the concerns raised by agnotological strategies—and I show that it fails. I conclude by exploring other ways of conceptualising the problems attributed to agnotological practices. In particular, I challenge the focus on misinformation as the main problem of concern. (shrink)

Em sede de objetivo geral pretende-se elucidar a partir de teóricos decoloniais sobre o neoliberalismo, as justificativas desenvolvimentistas, respondendo a seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: em que medida a concepção neoliberalista, abarcadas pelo Estado Brasileiro, configurou a atmosfera de conflitos socioambientais que se apresenta na atualidade da Amazônia brasileira? O método utilizado é o exploratório-indutivo, com estudo bibliográfico. Como principais resultados, tem-se na literatura de pesquisa da Amazônia sobre megaprojetos da (COSTA,2012; ACEVEDO MARÍN, 2017; Marin e Maia, 2018; LOUREIRO,2010;SILVA,2020, 2022) a (...) observância da deterioração das bases sociais nos territórios dos municípios afetados, e esta decorre da ausência de um planejamento mínimo para as pequenas cidades que sofrem com a migração, aumento brusco da população e ausência de infraestrutura mínima para a sobrevivência digna, alterando de forma negativa seu modo de vida. (shrink)

The therapeutic misconception has been seen as presenting an ethical problem because failure to distinguish the aims of research participation from those receiving ordinary treatment may seriously undermine the informed consent of research subjects. Hence, most theoretical and empirical work on the problems of the therapeutic misconception has been directed to evaluate whether, and to what degree, this confusion invalidates the consent of subjects. We argue here that this focus on the understanding component of informed consent, while important, might be (...) too narrow to capture the ethical complexity of the therapeutic misconception. We show that concerns about misplaced trust and exploitation of such trust are also relevant, and ought to be taken into account, when considering why the therapeutic misconception matters ethically. (shrink)

The argument from inductive risk has been embraced by many as a successful account of the role of values in science that challenges the value-free ideal. We argue that it is not obvious that the argument from inductive risk actually undermines the value-free ideal. This is because the inductive risk argument endorses an assumption held by proponents of the value-free ideal: that contextual values never play an appropriate role in determining evidence. We show that challenging the value-free ideal ultimately requires (...) rejecting this assumption. (shrink)

Philosophers of science, particularly those working on science and values, often talk about the need for science to be socially responsible. However, what this means is not clear. In this paper, we review the contributions of philosophers of science to the debate over socially responsible science and explore the dimensions that a fruitful account of socially responsible science should address. Our review shows that offering a comprehensive account is difficult. We contend that broad calls for socially responsible science that fail (...) to attend to relevant dimensions are not the solution, as they preclude meaningful changes to research institutions and practices. We conclude that narrower, more explicit accounts are more likely to lead to substantive transformation. (shrink)

A new reprogenetic technology, mitochondrial replacement, is making its appearance and, unsurprisingly given its promise to wash off our earthly stains --or at least the scourges of sexual reproduction--, John Harris finds only reasons to celebrate this new scientific feat.1 In fact, he finds mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) so “unreservedly welcome” that he believes those who reject them suffer from “a large degree of desperation and not a little callousness.”2 Believing myself to be neither desperate nor callous, but finding myself (...) also no closer at all – not even after reading his article—to following Harris in welcoming these technologies wholeheartedly, it seems appropriate to respond. (shrink)

Because of the important benefits that biomedical research offers to humans, some have argued that people have a general moral obligation to participate in research. Although the defense of such a putative moral duty has raised controversy, few scholars, on either side of the debate, have attended to the social context in which research takes place and where such an obligation will be discharged. By reflecting on the social context in which a presumed duty to participate in research will obtain, (...) this article shows that decontextualized discussions of this putative moral obligation are problematic. (shrink)

Many have argued that allowing and encouraging public avenues for dissent and critical evaluation of scientific research is a necessary condition for promoting the objectivity of scientific communities and advancing scientific knowledge . The history of science reveals many cases where an existing scientific consensus was later shown to be wrong . Dissent plays a crucial role in uncovering potential problems and limitations of consensus views. Thus, many have argued that scientific communities ought to increase opportunities for dissenting views to (...) be heard and taken seriously. Such opportunities are necessary for both limiting the influence .. (shrink)

ABSTRACT Regarding an already consolidated tradition in discourse studies in Latin America, with featured importance in graduate programs in the field of Linguistics and a busy calendar of annual events in the field, it is possible to say that there is considerable amount of imported knowledge being applied and very little creativity in local theoretical or methodological production. Discourse studies are generally divided into two main schools of thought: French discourse analysis and English discourse analysis. The denomination that represents these (...) lines of discourse sheds light on the colonized nature of the field. This colonization of discourse knowledge, in more immediate terms, indicates considerable effort applied to theories viewed as universally valid and scarcely modified for the situated context, but it also shows the implications of being a discourse analyst in a subordinate space within the academic field – a place where we, Latin American discourse researchers, occupy compared to our colleagues in the global North – and about contemplating theoretical alternatives. The decolonizing effort of this field should thus be directed to three converging paths: decolonizing knowledge, in the sense of criticizing theories and methods while understanding that there is no universal knowledge; decolonizing the power of the creative act of overcoming this universalizing knowledge, which means accepting the force of local methodological and theoretical production, especially by constantly questioning disciplinary separation and its impositions; and decolonizing the being, making strategic use of this paradoxical space, which contains the possibilities of knowledge communion, also including common knowledge. All this should have an impact on graduate-level education in discursive studies, in a virtuous cycle between consciousness, criticism and creativity. (shrink)

O artigo tem como foco o caso da Mineradora Belo Sun e busca associar a discussão de ética nas corporações e o impacto do negócio em espaços amazônicos tendo por escopo evidenciar o desrespeito das companhias quanto às regulações internas que asseguram direitos humanos de populações tradicionais que vivem no entorno do território afetado. Deve-se prioritariamente reconhecer como consequência as violações de direitos humanos que são impostas aos grupos impactados pelos grandes empreendimentos que capturam os agentes públicos decisores dos processos (...) de licenciamento, beneficiando-se da ausência da consolidação normativa socioambiental. (shrink)

Recently, some have proposed moral bioenhancement as a solution to the serious moral evils that humans face. Seemingly disillusioned with traditional methods of moral education, proponents of bioenhancement believe that we should pursue and apply biotechnological means to morally enhance human beings. Such proposal has generated a lively debate about the permissibility of moral bioenhancement. We argue here that such debate is specious. The claim that moral bioenhancement is a solution - whether permissible or not - to the serious moral (...) problems that affect human beings is based on several problematic framing assumptions. We evaluate here three of such assumptions: the first rests on a contested understanding of morality, the second consist in a mistaken conception of human moral problems, and the third relates to problematic presuppositions grounding the interpretation of existent scientific evidence presented to defend moral bioenhancement. Once these framing assumptions are identified and critically evaluated, it becomes clear that the moral bioenhancement debate is misguided. (shrink)

It is argued here that bioethicists might inadvertently be promoting genetic determinism: the idea that genes alone determine human traits and behaviours. Discussions about genetic testing are used to exemplify how they might be doing so. Quite often bioethicists use clinical cases to support particular moral obligations or rights as if these cases were representative of the kind of information we can acquire about human diseases through genetic testing, when they are not. On other occasions, the clinical cases are presented (...) in simplistic ways that portray genetic testing as yielding information more accurate than it actually is. It is concluded that, because of the problematic implications that the ideology of genetic determinism might have for individuals’ wellbeing and for our public policies, bioethicists should be careful to present these issues in ways that do not promote questionable ideas about the causal role of genes in human diseases and behaviours. (shrink)

The lack of public support for climate change policies and refusals to vaccinate children are just two alarming illustrations of the impacts of dissent about scientific claims. Dissent can lead to confusion, false beliefs, and widespread public doubt about highly justified scientific evidence. Even more dangerously, it has begun to corrode the very authority of scientific consensus and knowledge. Deployed aggressively and to political ends, some dissent can intimidate scientists, stymie research, and lead both the public and policymakers to oppose (...) important public policies firmly rooted in science. -/- To criticize dissent is, however, a fraught exercise. Skepticism and fearless debate are key to the scientific process, making it both vital and incredibly difficult to characterize and identify dissent that is problematic in its approach and consequences. Indeed, as de Melo-Martín and Intemann show, the criteria commonly proposed as means of identifying inappropriate dissent are flawed and the strategies generally recommended to tackle such dissent are not only ineffective but could even make the situation worse. -/- The Fight Against Doubt proposes that progress on this front can best be achieved by enhancing the trustworthiness of the scientific community and by being more realistic about the limits of science when it comes to policymaking. It shows that a richer understanding of the context in which science operates is needed to disarm problematic dissent and those who deploy it. This, the authors argue, is the best way forward, rather than diagnosing the many instances of wrong-headed dissent. (shrink)

Although surprising to some proponents of sex selection for non-medical reasons (Dahl 2005), a considerable amount of critical debate has been raised by this practice (Blyth, Frith, and Crawshaw 2008; Dawson and Trounson 1996; Dickens 2002; Harris 2005; Heyd 2003; Holm 2004; Macklin 2010; Malpani 2002; McDougall 2005; Purdy 2007; Seavilleklein and Sherwin 2007; Steinbock 2002; Strange and Chadwick 2010; Wilkinson 2008). While abortion or infanticide has long been used as means of sex selection, a new technology—preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)—has (...) become a highly efficient, and arguably less controversial, way of ensuring the birth of a child of a particular sex. PGD, used in combination with in vitro .. (shrink)

Hastings Center Report, Volume 52, Issue 5, Page 3-3, September–October 2022.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced recently that food products derived from some animal clones and their offspring are safe for human consumption. In response to criticism that it had failed to engage with ethical, social, and economic concerns raised by livestock cloning, the FDA argued that addressing normative issues prior to issuing a final ruling on animal cloning is not part of its mission. In this article, the authors reject the FDA's claim that its mission to protect (...) and advance public health can be accomplished without considering ethical issues or without making value judgments. The authors offer two arguments in support of their position. First, the agency's mission statement presupposes significant normative commitments and judgments. Second, the FDA's risk assessment of food products from cloned animals and their offspring is itself clearly shaped by a variety of normative commitments. (shrink)

The use of genome embryo editing tools in reproduction is often touted as a way to ensure the birth of healthy and genetically related children. Many would agree that this is a worthy goal. The purpose of this paper is to argue that, if we are concerned with justice, accepting such goal as morally appropriate commits one to rejecting the development of embryo editing for reproductive purposes. This is so because safer and more effective means exist that can allow many (...) more prospective parents to achieve the same valued goal and that offer additional benefits. (shrink)

Despite increasing recognition of the ways in which ethical and social values play a role in science (Kitcher 2001; Longino 1990, 2002), scientists are often still reluctant to acknowledge or discuss ethical and social values at stake in their research. Even when research is closely connected to developing public policy, it is generally held that it should be empirical data, and not the values of scientists, that inform policy. According to this view, scientists need not, and should not, endorse non-epistemic (...) values related to their research, as doing so may bias their assessment of what the evidence is. As a result, debates over science-based policy tend to be construed solely as empirical discussions to be .. (shrink)