Tinkering with Life

0,00 €

TopicSocial Sciences

AuthorJean-Baptiste de Panafieu

PublisherDunod

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

For centuries, Man has dreamed of transcending its limits, transforming life, and prolonging youth. The scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century, such as the discovery of DNA, have only strengthened these hopes: it is now possible to revive extinct species, solve criminal investigations, uncover our family origins, and cure a wide range of diseases.

Through dystopian narratives, Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu explores these modern biotechnologies, from gene therapy to transhumanism and GMOs, while questioning our ability to manipulate nature and the risks such power entails.

For centuries, humanity has dreamed of surpassing its limits, transforming the living and prolonging youth. The scientific advances of the 21st century, like the discovery of DNA, have strengthened these hopes. Thanks to them, it is now possible to cure many diseases, solve criminal investigations, discover our family origins or protect species threatened with extinction.

But this picture has a darker side. Is it really useful to resurrect the mammoth or Neanderthal man? Should we develop GMOs at the risk of impacting biodiversity? Do we have the moral right to seek to “improve” the human species? Who benefits from all these attempts to tinker with life?

Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu explores these modern biotechnologies, from gene therapy to transhumanism, including the latest research on messenger RNA and molecular scissors, while questioning the ethical problems raised by our ability to manipulate nature and pointing to associated dangers.

Readership: All those interested in genetics, genetic manipulation and transhumanism.