Papers by Edward Hockings
Ethical Perspectives, 2024
Twenty years have now passed since Jürgen Habermas published his only work on bioethics. This art... more Twenty years have now passed since Jürgen Habermas published his only work on bioethics. This article has three main aims. First, to offer a comprehensive re-evaluation of The Future of Human Nature in light of the many critiques made of it. Second, to undertake a reconstruction of certain elements of the work. Third, to forge a 'Habermasian perspective' that draws not only from The Future of Human Nature but also from his influential theories, including those of modernity, social evolution, and his discourse theory of ethics. In The Future of Human Nature, Habermas opposes the selection and enhancement of genetic traits for non-therapeutic purposes, arguing that such practices undermine autonomy and, in turn, 'humanity's ethical self-understanding.' Although subject to vociferous critique, I argue that the argument from autonomy holds promise. However, for it to serve the role Habermas envisions, the impact of new genetic technologies on norms of socialization-specifically those related to individuation-must be brought to the fore. I reframe the argument by focusing on how processes of self-formation in future societies could differ radically from those in contemporary society. I also propose a further important shift: limiting objections to genetic technologies on the grounds of autonomy narrows the scope of what a Habermasian approach to normatively evaluating these technologies might offer. Departing from his original stance, the Habermasian perspective outlined here advocates a precautionary societal approach informed by key insights from his social and normative theories.
Personalized Medicine, Sep 1, 2016
EthicsandGenetics (Glasgow, Scotland) campaigns for openness and inclusion in bioscience policy. ... more EthicsandGenetics (Glasgow, Scotland) campaigns for openness and inclusion in bioscience policy. Recent developments in UK biosciences policy demonstrate the need for this, illustrated most vividly by the 100,000 Genome Project.
New Social Contract for Genomics, 2022
The belief that genomics requires rethinking the 'social contract' to realize its potential has r... more The belief that genomics requires rethinking the 'social contract' to realize its potential has received backing from leading figures within bioethics. The case for a new social contract is anchored in notions of solidarity, altruism or the common good. But national genome sequencing is playing out against a backdrop of greatly increased involvement, and investment, of governments in their life science sectorscreating a sort of international race to drive innovation, stimulate growth, and create the most competitive life science sectors. Recent developments in the UK suggest this agenda is detrimental to openness and transparency, as well as independent oversight, and meaningful public consultation. These aspects of governance, I argue, should be reconceived as part of the requirements of good governance. Further, a new social contract should involve a commitment by government, and industry, to educate the public about life scienceand should be extended to life science more generally.
This chapter provides a contextualisation of policy developments in the biosciences, health-resea... more This chapter provides a contextualisation of policy developments in the biosciences, health-research and information governance in relation to societal tendencies. The initiatives considered include the Clinical Research Practice Datalink, the Health and Social Care Information Centre, the 100,000 Genome Project, the introduction of personalised medicine, and the relaxation of the information governance regulatory regime. It is argued that we are witnessing a shift from rights-based approach to the adjudication of competing claims, in which benefits to the economy, for example, are seen as goods to be balanced with a data subject’s right to privacy and confidentiality. The greater weight that economic interests now possess in information governance and the biosciences has substantive implications for future policy in this area. This, along with the new powers of access by the Government, moves us into unexplored terrain and generates novel ethical challenges. Though, this chapter advocates an approach to policy and governance that proceeds along deliberative and democratic lines, the developments of concern to this chapter are evidence of the challenges that lie ahead.
Personalized Medicine, 2016
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Papers by Edward Hockings