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Biotechnology, Public Policy, and the Social Sciences: Critical Needs in Teaching and Research1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 May 2016

Robert H. Blank ,
Lynton K. Caldwell ,
Thomas C. Wiegele  and
Raymond A. Zilinskas
Robert H. Blank
Affiliation:
Department of Political Science and Program for Biosocial Research, Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854
Lynton K. Caldwell
Affiliation:
Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Thomas C. Wiegele
Affiliation:
Department of Political Science and Program for Biosocial Research, Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2854
Raymond A. Zilinskas
Affiliation:
Consultant on Science Policy, Santa Monica, California 93101
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Abstract

Science-based biotechnology is now introducing fundamental changes in the status of life on earth which have major implications for human society, yet the social sciences are largely failing to address these changes. Biotechnology offers immense opportunities for advancing the quality of human life, holding promise for overcoming numerous and heretofore intractable causes of suffering and impoverishment. Moreover, it may enable mankind to enjoy the benefits of science without degradation of the biosphere. But to obtain these advantages biotechnology must be guided by wise and timely public policies. Even the most beneficent innovation may create problems that, unless anticipated and prevented, may offset or cancel out social gains.

Type
Reports
Information
Politics and the Life Sciences , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , August 1987 , pp. 64 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © Association for Politics and the Life Sciences 

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