Genetics, Commodification, and Social Justice in the Globalization Era
- 1 September 2001
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Project MUSE in Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal
- Vol. 11 (3), 221-238
- https://doi.org/10.1353/ken.2001.0020
Abstract
The commercialization of biotechnology, especially research and development by transnational pharmaceutical companies, is already excessive and is increasingly dangerous to distributive justice, human rights, and access of marginal populations to basic human goods. Focusing on gene patenting, this article employs the work of Margaret Jane Radin and others to argue that gene patenting ought to be more highly regulated and that it ought to be regulated with international participation and in view of concerns about solidarity and the common good. The mode of argument called for on this issue is more pragmatic than logical, emphasizing persuasion based on evidence about the reality and effects of control of genetic research by profit-driven biotech companies.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Toward Global ParliamentForeign Affairs, 2001
- A Grand Trade BargainForeign Affairs, 2001
- Genes, Patents, and Bioethics--Will History Repeat Itself?Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 2000
- Commercialization of Genetic Research and Public PolicyScience, 1999
- Biotechnology and Commodification Within Health CareJournal of Medicine and Philosophy, 1999
- Status, sale and patenting of human genetic material: an international surveyNature Genetics, 1999