Extending human lifespan and the precautionary paradox.
This paper argues that a precautionary approach to scientific progress of the sort advocated by Walter Glannon with respect to life-extending therapies involves both incoherence and irresolvable paradox. This paper demonstrates the incoherence of the precautionary approach in many circumstances and argues that with respect to life-extending therapies we have at present no persuasive reasons for a moratorium on such research.
The Institute of Medicine, Law and Bioethics, School of Law, University of Manchester, Room 207 Williamson Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. John.Harris@man.ac.uk
John
J
Harris
Søren
S
Holm
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D001675:Bioethics; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D006113:United Kingdom
Biomedical and Behavioral Research; Genetics and Reproduction; Philosophical Approach