Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 453-463 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Bioethics |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Early online date | 9 Sep 2013 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2013 |
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Synthetic biology : a utilitarian perspective. / Smith, Kevin R.
In: Bioethics, Vol. 27, No. 8, 10.2013, p. 453-463.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Synthetic biology
T2 - a utilitarian perspective
AU - Smith, Kevin R.
PY - 2013/10
Y1 - 2013/10
N2 - I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology (‘SynBio’) from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from SynBio in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from SynBio also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a ‘precautionary’ approach to SynBio is ethically fraught, as is the notion that SynBio-associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez-faire stance in respect of SynBio.
AB - I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology (‘SynBio’) from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from SynBio in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from SynBio also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a ‘precautionary’ approach to SynBio is ethically fraught, as is the notion that SynBio-associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez-faire stance in respect of SynBio.
U2 - 10.1111/bioe.12050
DO - 10.1111/bioe.12050
M3 - Article
VL - 27
SP - 453
EP - 463
JO - Bioethics
JF - Bioethics
SN - 0269-9702
IS - 8
ER -