The Role of Genetic Reductionism in Biocolonialism

In: Peace review: the international quarterly of world peace, Band 12, Heft 4, S. 517-524

Abstract

Explores the trend toward genetic reductionism & its role in "biocolonialism." The historical & cultural separation of traditional & mainstream knowledge systems is traced, noting that both encompass combinations of scientific & religious concepts. Although mainstream science has served humanity well, both systems have strengths & weaknesses, & each can gain from understanding the other. However, the notion of genes as central to all life has become linked with the market system's push to privatize these "blueprints of life," supposedly for the benefit of both mankind & those who own the information. Cultural & scientific problems resulting from this mindset are examined, including genetic explanations for disease that might result from social problems, animal cloning, genetically engineered crops & animals, & proposed modifications of human somatic cells & the human germ line. It is argued that the loss of traditional modes of thinking that stress the interconnectedness of living things, combined with the recent linkage between commercialism & genetic reductionism, is apt to result in far more harm than good. J. Lindroth