The Canon: From Chance to Choice

From Chance to Choice: Genetics and Justice is a landmark text in bioethics. In nearly every work I read on enhancement, genetics, reproductive freedom, or health care, Buchanan et al. are in the bibliography. Written by four top bioethicists in 2000, FCtC is an effort to carefully investigate the questions and debates that had been raised by developments in genetic engineering at the end of the 20th century.

FCtC‘s greatest strengths are its authors’ dogged commitment to thoroughness and the beautiful nuance of many of their arguments. No issue is glossed and the authors omissions are either handled in footnotes or recognized as such. In most cases, the attention to detail and effort to eschew bias is superb. For example, the “ethical autopsy” of eugenics at the beginning of the text covers the time span from Galton to post-WWII and investigates the plurality of pro-eugenics positions, methods, and government programs. The autopsy exposes the general scientific ignorance of even the most intelligent supporters as well as their many biases From their historical analysis, Buchanan et al. determine the primary failing of the first eugenics movement was its coercive means and bigoted motivation.

Throughout FCtC, Rawls’ theory of justice provides a foundation, with each chapter moving slowly and deliberately through the mine fields of reproductive rights, health care and equality, primary goods, and other basic facets of society that genetic engineering threatens to put into flux. Most interesting, however, is the investigation into the “Morality of Inclusion.” This principle, drawn from arguments by disabilities rights advocates, advances the case that an effort to eliminate disabilities before birth using genetic engineering is tantamount to both negative genocide and positive dehumanizaton of the disabled. Buchanan (the primary author of the chapter) proceeds to address the issue of the “Morality of Inclusion” with some of the best and most nuanced argumentation I have ever read. His deft handling of their accusations, the highly pertinent counter-examples, argument deconstruction, and ability to draw upon the deep work of previous chapters is astounding. It’s really marvelous to read.

If you are interested in the bioethics of human enhancement, this is where you must start. If you’re pressed for time, skim chapters 1 and 3, read 2 and 7 in depth.