ABSTRACT
We as humans have multiple identities depending on the specific context. We have a family identity, a professional identity, maybe a political and a religious identity, but we of course also, as all other living beings, have a biological, a genetic identity, ‘hidden’ in our genes. Our genetic inheritance is a major determinant of the potential of an individual in terms of specific talents, physical build, susceptibility to various diseases, etc. Until recently, this genetic information and in particular its interpretation has not been accessible, but within the past decade new technology has allowed the reading and interpretation of this identity with rapidly increasing speed and detail. In the very near future, we may all be offered the opportunity to have our genome identity determined on an individual basis. This will give us a new identity dimension, and may well change the way we look at ourselves as humans, at our place in society (even in the Universe), and not least the way we navigate our living. It is therefore pertinent to study how this new knowledge, this new identity dimension, will affect human identity toward the self as well as in the interactions of the individual with society. Furthermore, it is critical to monitor, discuss, and possibly regulate how this new knowledge about each individual is generated, communicated, protected, and exploited technically, legally, ethically, philosophically, and medically.
