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The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineeringreviewed by Jeff Frank - May 15, 2007 Title: The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering Author(s): Michael J. Sandel Publisher: Belknap Press, Cambridge ISBN: 067401927X , Pages: 176, Year: 2007 Search for book at Amazon.com Although most parents want what is best for their children, how far is too far? Test preparation is now a $2.5 billion industry (p. 55), parents consult with college admissions counselors who charge upwards of $30,000 (p. 56), and parents spend large sums of money to give their children private lessons in music, dance, and sport. Given this, Michael Sandel asks:
If it permissible, even admirable, for parents to help their children in these ways, why isnt it equally admirable for parents to use whatever genetic technologies may emerge (provided they are safe) to enhance their childs intelligence, musical ability, or athletic skill? (p. 51)
Sandels new book is aimed at a general audience who he hopes will respond to the question above with, I dont know, I havent really thought of it. Still, something makes me feel that there is an important difference. Genetic engineering, argues Sandel, is a topic that... (preview truncated at 150 words.)To view the full-text for this article you must be signed-in with the appropriate membership. Please review your options below:
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- Jeff Frank
Teachers College E-mail Author JEFF FRANK is a doctoral student in the Program of Philosophy and Education at Teachers College. He is also a member of the EdLab and on the staff of the Teachers College Record. His research interests include moral philosophy, and philosophy and literature.
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