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Assessing synthetic biology from a societal and ethical perspective is not only a matter of determining possible harms and benefits of synthetic biology applications. Synthetic biology also incorporates a specific technoscientific understanding of its research agenda and its research objects that has philosophical and ethical implications. This edited volume sets out to explore and evaluate these synthetic biology worldviews and it proposes appropriate governance measures. In addition, legal challenges are discussed.

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Introduction: Synthetic biology contextualized.- I. Concepts, Metaphors, Worldviews.- II. Public Good and Private Ownership. Social and Legal Ramifications.- III. Opportunities, Risks, Politics.

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"This volume, edited by Boldt, attempts to explain the scope of Synthetic Biology, clarifies its distinction from technologies such as genetic engineering and nanotechnology, and discuss the ethical and legal concerns with which the field of Synthetic Biology specifically contends. ... for anyone who is interested in forwarding their knowledge in the area of modern biotechnological innovation, its applications, and its implications." (Ambika Natarajan, Nanoethics, Vol. 10, 2016)

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Dr. Joachim Boldt is Deputy Director at the Institut für Ethik und Geschichte der Medizin in Freiburg (Germany).

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