Privacy, the individual and genetic information: a Buddhist perspective

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics ethics
• Bioethics
• Information ethics
• Buddhist philosophy

Background:

• Bioinformatics integrates biological and computer sciences, raising complex ethical questions.
• Privacy is a critical concern in managing sensitive biological and genetic data.
• Existing ethical frameworks often rely on a concept of the individual self.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the ethical implications of bioinformatics through a Buddhist lens.
• To propose a Buddhist-informed approach to privacy in the context of genetic data.
• To analyze how Buddhist philosophy can address privacy challenges without presupposing a substantial self.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of Buddhist concepts related to self and privacy.
• Comparative ethics, integrating bioethics, computer ethics, and Buddhist thought.
• Examination of the concept of privacy in relation to individual identity.

Main Results:

• Buddhism offers a pragmatic conception of privacy that does not require a fixed, substantial individual self.
• This approach provides a flexible framework for protecting privacy, especially concerning genetic information.
• Conventional understanding of personal identity is sufficient for effective privacy protection.

Conclusions:

• Buddhist philosophy provides a unique and adaptable framework for addressing privacy concerns in bioinformatics.
• The concept of a non-substantial self can enhance privacy protections in the digital age.
• This perspective offers a valuable alternative for navigating the ethical landscape of genetic data management.