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Science-based biotechnology is now introducing fundamental changes in the status of life on earth which have major implications for human society, yet the social sciences are largely failing to address these changes. Biotechnology offers immense opportunities for advancing the quality of human life, holding promise for overcoming numerous and heretofore intractable causes of suffering and impoverishment. Moreover, it may enable mankind to enjoy the benefits of science without degradation of the biosphere. But to obtain these advantages biotechnology must be guided by wise and timely public policies. Even the most beneficent innovation may create problems that, unless anticipated and prevented, may offset or cancel out social gains.

This book examines the development of biopolitics as an academic perspective within political science. It reviews the work of the leading proponents of this perspective and presents a comprehensive view of biopolitics as a framework to structure political inquiry. The book's chapters present a range of analysis, critique and recommendations for the current study of biopolitics. Coverage includes; the implications of biopolitics for political theory and the need to re-evaluate basic assumptions of the prevailing political science paradigm; an analysis of the methodological concerns of adopting a more biology-based approach to political science; the current state of knowledge of the genetic and neurological bases of mass and elite behavior; and biopolicy issues and the proper role of the life sciences in informing our understanding of them. The concluding chapter restates the case for a paradigm shift toward an interactive model, arguing that, rather than lead to biological determinism as denounced by some, this inclusive paradigm allows us to counteract deterministic protestations more effectively than by continuing to ignore or minimize biological influences.

The reality and significance of human races / Richard A. Goldsby -- Search for equity on the planet difference / Nancy R. Hauserman -- Evolution, ethics, and equality / Stephen L. Zegura, Stuart C. Gilman, and Robert L. Simon -- The issue of inequality / Stuart C. Gilman -- The liberal conception of equal opportunity and its egalitarian critics / Robert L. Simon -- Biological differences and economic equality / Masako N. Darrough -- Social equality and ethnic identity / Sandra L. Schultz -- Social equality and infectious disease carriers / Baruch S. Blumberg -- Societal responsibility and genetic disease / Robert H. Blank -- Intelligence theory and the race-IQ controversy / John G. Borkowski