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Synthetic biology: a utilitarian perspective.

¹Abertay University – Contemporary Sciences, Baxter Building Monifieth, Dundee, Tayside DD1 1HG, UK. K.Smith@abertay.ac.uk

|September 10, 2013

Summary

Synthetic biology offers significant medical benefits but carries unpredictable risks. A utilitarian ethical analysis suggests a laissez-faire approach to synthetic biology, avoiding overly precautionary measures or knowledge restrictions.

Keywords:

SynBio dual-use ethics ethics of knowledge precautionary pinciple utilitarianism

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Area of Science:

Bioethics
Synthetic Biology
Medical Ethics

Background:

Synthetic biology (SynBio) presents a dual potential for significant medical advancements and unforeseen risks.
The field's nascent stage complicates precise outcome prediction and risk quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the ethical implications of synthetic biology using a utilitarian framework.
To assess the ethical justification for precautionary approaches and knowledge restrictions in SynBio.

Main Methods:

Ethical analysis from a utilitarian perspective.
Examination of potential benefits and harms of SynBio, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism.

Main Results:

Substantial potential benefits in medicine are identified, though precise outcomes remain unpredictable.
Potential negative outcomes like iatrogenesis and bioterrorism exist but are not yet quantifiable.
Precautionary approaches and knowledge restrictions are deemed ethically problematic from a utilitarian standpoint.

Conclusions:

Utilitarians should generally support a laissez-faire approach to synthetic biology.
Balancing potential benefits against unquantifiable risks requires careful ethical consideration.