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Synthetic Biology: A Utilitarian Perspective
Author(s) -
Smith Kevin
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
bioethics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.494
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1467-8519
pISSN - 0269-9702
DOI - 10.1111/bioe.12050
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , context (archaeology) , epistemology , utilitarianism , precautionary principle , psychology , positive economics , environmental ethics , philosophy , economics , biology , computer science , ecology , paleontology , artificial intelligence
I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology (‘SynBio’) from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from S yn B io in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from S yn B io also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a ‘precautionary’ approach to S yn B io is ethically fraught, as is the notion that S yn B io‐associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez‐faire stance in respect of S yn B io.