Societal Impact of Human Genetic Engineering

The purpose of this project is to develop models for broad-based community dialogue to examine the value and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies in applied human genetics. The project will be carried out by a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team with expertise in ethics, science policy, and education. The Center for Applied and Professional Ethics at the University of Tennessee, joins with an unusually science-literate congregation to develop this project. The focus will be guided by the report of a task force of the United Methodist Church which has held extensive hearings on these matters throughout the country. Anticipated results include: a videotape and handbook/curriculum for follow-up discussions, and a follow-up project to carry this inquiry into high school curricula throughout Tennessee.