ISBN 0-19-283053-8 (UK pbk)

"Should we engineer changes in human beings? Ought we to use the human organism as a cell or organ bank to provide 'spare parts'? Is it wrong to buy or sell human tissue? Should we experiment on human embryos or children?

"We are on the brink of a revolution in molecular biology that will give us an unprecedented ability to divert and control human evolution. John Harris, Professor of Applied Philosophy at the Centre for Social Ethics and Policy in the University of Manchester, argues that the decision before us is not whether to use this power but how and to what extent." [jacket blurb, UK pbk, 1993]

"Professor Harris takes us through most of the major ethical issues of human biotechnology in a careful and critical way that I found refreshing... Although Harris does not spare his punches, he gives a reasoned and balanced view about ethical issues. And, even better, he manages to write in a style that is completely comprehensible to the non-philosopher: no mean feat! He has done a considerable service to this fast-moving branch of medical research in writing this scholarly and, above all, balanced account of ethical complexities. I can strongly recommend this book to those who both wish to explore this field further and desire to enter the debate between scientists and the public about where we are going with our increasing ability to meddle with our genetic make-up." --David Weatherall (in Lancet magazine).