Genetic engineering and autonomous agency.
In this paper I argue that the genetic manipulation of sexual orientation at the embryo stage could have a detrimental effect on the subsequent person's later capacity for autonomous agency. By focussing on an example of sexist oppression I show that the norms and expectations expressed with this type of genetic manipulation can threaten the development of autonomous agency and the kind of social environment that makes its exercise likely.
Department of Philosophy, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark. Filbarclay@hum.au.dk
Linda
L
Barclay
D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D033141:Genetic Determinism; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010684:Philosophy; D012649:Self Concept; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D012945:Social Values; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology