From Book News, Inc.
An evaluation of the US Human Genome Project and how the research project and its goal of mapping human genetics will affect future generations. Heller (Director, Center for Ethics, Saint Joseph's Health System) investigates the implications of genetic research from a theological perspective, examining the economic, political, and philosophical issues that the project's biomedical applications will eventually articulate. She considers that some people will pay an inordinate social cost, advocating an "impersonal theocentric" approach to value the theological implications of the problem. Paper edition (unseen), $16.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Midwest Book Review
The Human Genome Project is likely to hold vast ethical, legal, and social implications for societies of the future: this title outlines these effects and their impact on the directions and purposes of genetic research. A theological perspective is incorporated into the discussion.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Human Genome Research and the Challenge of Contingent Future Persons is an investigation into how the Human Genome Project is likely to affect future generations. It explores the implications these effects hold for evaluating genetic research, particularly from a theological perspective. Examining the economic, political, and philosophical issues underlying genetic research, Heller finds that some future people may bear an inordinate share of certain social costs stemming from the Project's biomedical applications. Further, the existence, numbers, and identities of those people will be contingent on decisions made based on this research. Heller investigates the theological implications of this problem, arriving at an "impersonal theocentric" approach to value in this detailed, thoughtful, and original contribution to the literature.

FROM THE CRITICS

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