Gene Technology and Social Acceptance

This book is not just about gene technology. Rather it uses gene technology to illustrate the complex issues that arise when a new technology appears in society. It explores the development of economic, legislative, environmental, social, ethical, and philosophical issues that touch the lives of most individuals in one way or another in both the industrialized and industrializing worlds.
The authors suggest ways by which social acceptance of gene technology, or any new technology, may be achieved. They assume that acceptance is a decision-making process in which all segments of society have the opportunity to articulate their values and interests, which may not be compatible or self-evident to others. The paradigm shift forces them to reassess their values, reconsider the distribution of resources, and set new priorities.

Walter P. Von Wartburg is currently Head of Corporate Communications at Novartis and professor for public health policy at the St. Gall Graduate School of Economics, Business, and Public Administration.