An Epigenetic Prism to Norms and Values

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Bioethics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Epigenetics research raises questions about its influence on societal inquiries.
• The interplay between scientific evidence and normative/moral issues in epigenetics is debated.
• Existing research frameworks may not fully capture the implications of epigenetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how epigenetics characteristics shape questions about human society.
• To explore the bidirectional influence between epigenetic research and ethical considerations.
• To propose a new perspective for understanding epigenetics' societal impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and discussion of (social-) scientific examples.
• Analysis of the relationship between scientific evidence and ethical/normative issues.
• Conceptual reframing of epigenetics' role in research and policy.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic research prompts complex ethical and moral questions.
• Scientific evidence and ethical considerations mutually shape epigenetic research.
• A broader, relational perspective on epigenetics is needed.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetics encourages relational and process-oriented thinking.
• Current problem-frames may be insufficient for epigenetics research.
• (Post-)ELSI approaches should adopt epigenetics' ecological complexity for richer ethical/political questions.