Anticipatory Ethics and The Use of CRISPR in Humans

The future of gene editing in humans will involve CRISPR, but the current scientific discussion has left ethics trailing behind. To address this, Dr. Michael W. Nestor and Professor Richard Wilson have developed a new ethical approach considering the use of CRISPR in human targeted therapies. They argue that the use of CRISPR to modify genes involved in mental traits represents a particular category for special consideration and provide a non-exhaustive framework for shared understanding and discussion across disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 145 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The future of gene editing in humans holds great promise with the advent of CRISPR technology. However, the successful integration of this powerful tool requires a comprehensive and thoughtful consideration of its scientific, ethical, and moral dimensions. Regrettably, the current scientific discourse surrounding CRISPR in humans has tended to prioritize innovation over ethics, leading to a gap in ethical considerations. To address this challenge, we need to embrace new modes of ethics and stakeholder participation that can keep pace with the rapid advancements in science.

To this end, Dr. Michael W. Nestor, a renowned neuroscientist actively involved in pre-clinical research using CRISPR, and Professor Richard Wilson, a philosopher specializing in anticipatory ethics, have collaborated to develop a novel ethical framework for the use of CRISPR in human targeted therapies. Anticipatory ethics is uniquely positioned to address the ethical challenges posed by rapidly evolving technical fields, where the pace of innovation often outstrips traditional philosophical approaches. By adopting an "anticipatory" perspective, this field enables us to explore potential future applications of CRISPR that are not currently feasible.

In their book, Nestor and Wilson take on the task of forecasting the potential outcomes as the scientific and medical community extends the use of CRISPR beyond correcting genes associated with single-gene diseases. Instead, they envision CRISPR as a powerful tool for addressing complex, multigenic disorders, where the influence of multiple genes plays a significant role. Through their interdisciplinary collaboration, Nestor and Wilson offer insightful predictions and considerations regarding the ethical implications of CRISPR in human gene editing.

They address a range of topics, including the potential risks and benefits of gene editing, the need for transparent regulation and oversight, the importance of informed consent, and the ethical considerations related to gene discrimination and enhancement. They also explore the potential societal implications of CRISPR, such as the impact on genetic inequality, social stratification, and the distribution of genetic resources.

By presenting a comprehensive and nuanced ethical framework, Nestor and Wilson aim to guide the responsible and ethical use of CRISPR in humans. Their book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, policymakers, legal scholars, and the broader public, as it encourages intense interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion to shape the future of gene editing in a way.

In conclusion, the future of gene editing in humans holds immense potential for improving human health and well-being. However, the successful integration of CRISPR technology requires a balanced approach that considers the scientific, ethical, and moral dimensions of this powerful tool. By embracing new modes of ethics and stakeholder participation, we can ensure that CRISPR is developed and applied in a manner that benefits society while minimizing potential risks and harms. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion, we can establish the necessary policy and ethical frameworks to support the flourishing of CRISPR as an important health care tool for treating human disease.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030983673
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022