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Ontological fundamentals of the debate on genetic selection and gene editing

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22409/1984-0292/v32i2/5607

Keywords:

genetic selection, gene editing, bioethics, distributive justice

Abstract

This study discusses the ontological assumptions assumed in the bioethical debate about human genetic selection and gene editing. With a view to managing genetic disorders, different therapies have been employed clinically and experimentally, since the 1990s. Among the treatment strategies, we find embryo selection (by means of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis) and gene therapy (by means of gene editing). The development of these techniques raises discussions about their ethical implications. This article postulates that different conceptions of humanity can be identified in these discussions, grounding ethical positions regarding genome interventions. The article seeks to analyze these conceptions, following three steps. First, the biomedical context of genetic selection and gene editing is presented. Then, discussions on the ethical aspects of these interventions are highlighted. Finally, different conceptions of humanity grounding these discussions are identified and analyzed, considering the notion of distributive justice.

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Author Biography

Rafael Nogueira Furtado, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG

Possui pós-doutorado em Psicologia (2019) pela Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, doutorado em Psicologia Social (2017) e mestrado em Filosofia (2013) pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, especialização em Dependência Química (2014) pela Universidade Federal de São Paulo, graduação em Psicologia (2009) pela Universidade de Franca e graduação em Filosofia (2017) pelo Centro Universitário Claretiano. Associado à Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia (SBP) e membro do Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Psicossomática, Saúde e Organizações (NUIPSO) da UFJF. Realiza estudos sobre processos psicossociais em saúde, com ênfase em bioética e na atenção ao usuário de álcool e outras drogas. Possui experiência em metodologias qualitativas e quantitativas.

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Published

2020-06-16

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How to Cite

FURTADO, R. N. Ontological fundamentals of the debate on genetic selection and gene editing. Fractal: Journal of Psychology, v. 32, n. 2, p. 111-119, 16 Jun. 2020.

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Vol. 32 No. 2 (2020)

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To the extent possible under the law, Fractal: Journal of Psychology has waived all copyright and related rights to the Reference Lists in research articles. This work is published in: Brazil.

To the extent possible under law,Fractal: Journal of Psychology has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to Reference lists in research articles. This work is published from: Brazil.