ABSTRACT
Introduction to Part Six Authors of this part grapple with some of the very difficult issues associated with biotechnology. David Morton argues that protection of animals and the environment matter most and if humans have the right motivation and intention right actions will follow. Some of the moral issues associated with genetic engineering are addressed in the next five papers: Robert and Baylis in one paper, and Streiffer in the next, present some opposing views on whether human-to-animal embryonic chimeras would introduce inexorable moral confusion in our existing relationships with non-humans. Arguing from a utilitarian perspective, Kevin Smith believes that there is no clear moral mandate against genetic sequence alteration; likewise, he argues that within the concept of “replaceability,” killing of transgenic animals is acceptable for animals not identified with “personhood.” Smith does advocate a general prohibition on studies that entail significant suffering for animals. Jeffrey Burkhardt argues that most of the arguments raised in opposition to biotechnology lack ethical force because most scientists and science policy makers lack the moral education necessary to fully understand the significance of the arguments made. Burkhardt calls for ethical training to become an established part of the training and thinking of scientists and science policy makers. Finally, Traci Warkentin presents a strong moral challenge to the notion of genetic engineering of animals for purposes of human consumption, with an emphasis of pigs and chickens.
