Launch of Report - Genetics and Human Behaviour: the ethical context
In recent weeks, the discovery of 'a language gene' and 'a gene for
criminal behaviour' have been reported in the media. Research that
investigates the role of genetic factors in influencing behaviour is
controversial, not only because of concerns about its scientific validity,
but also its ethical, legal, social and practical implications.
On 2 October 2002, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics launches a new Report
on Genetics and Human Behaviour: the ethical context. The focus of the
Report is on behavioural and personality traits such as intelligence,
sexual orientation and antisocial behaviour, rather than diseases or
disorders. It addresses the concerns about research in behavioural
genetics and considers such issues as prenatal selection, legal
responsibility, and the medicalisation of behaviour.
A seminar will be held on the afternoon of 2 October from 2pm. This
meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the Report's recommendations
with members of the Working Party. Further details, including the
programme, will be available in September. The meeting will be held at The
Beveridge Hall, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London
WC1E 7HU, England.
This meeting is open to everyone. Admission is free but places must be
reserved in advance. To obtain a copy of the programme, or to reserve a
place, please contact Nicola Perrin. e-mail:
[log in to unmask]; tel:020 7681 9627
Please circulate this advance notice to those you think may be interested.
For further information please see:
www.nuffieldbioethics.org/behaviouralgenetics
The Report will be available to download from the Council's website from 2
October. Alternatively, please contact Nicola Perrin if you would like to
order a printed copy.
**********************************************************************
1. To suspend yourself from the list, whilst on leave, for example,
send an email to [log in to unmask] with the following message:
set psci-com nomail
2. To resume email from the list, send the following message:
set psci-com mail
3. To leave psci-com, send an email to [log in to unmask] with the message:
leave psci-com
4. Further information about the psci-com discussion list, including list archive,
can be found at the list web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/psci-com.html
5. The psci-com gateway to internet resources on science communication and science
and society can be found at http://psci-com.org.uk
**********************************************************************
|