The future of DNA: Proceedings of an international If gene conference on presuppositions in science and expectations in society held at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, 2nd – 5th October 1996

1 Introduction II If gene coordinators.- DNA-Thinking in Science and Society.- 2 The limits of culture in biotechnology.- 3 The cultural powers of the gene — identity, destiny and the social meaning of heredity.- 4 The archetypal gene — the open history of a successful concept.- 5 Back to the future — towards a spiritual attitude for managing DNA.- DNA In Living Organisms.- 6 DNA in the environment: ecological, and therefore societal, implications.- 7 DNA and the new organicism.- 8 DNA at the edge of contextual biology.- DNA and Human Biography.- 9 The role of genetic disposition in human health and disease — bioethical aspects of DNA testing.- 10 Genomic instability — a story of repair, cancer and evolution, with existential impact on the individual.- 11 Human biography and its genetic instrument.- Plenary Discussions.- 12 Practising a power free dialogue in the plenary sessions about modern biotechnology.- Workshops.- 13 Gene concepts in motion: from Mendel to molecules.- 14 DNA and food technology — between natural food and food design.- 15 DNA and education.- 16 The biotechnology dialogue in the Netherlands.- 17 The genetification of our culture.- 18 DNA in context — genes, organisms and evolution illustrated through algae and buttercups.- 19 Transgenic plants — consequences and impacts for production and ecology.- 20 Intrinsic value of plants and animals: from philosophy to implementation.- 21 Does human retardation occur at the molecular level?.- 22 Genetic disabilities — predictive diagnosis, gene therapy and communal care.- 23 Heredity, gene therapy and religion.- 24 Genetic engineering and xenotransplantation.- 25 Embryo, heredity and DNA.- Round Table Discussions.- 26 Meeting the person behind the scientist involved in gene technology —summary of the round table discussions.- Closing Remarks And Reflection.- 27 Biotechnology as a socio-technical ensemble — closing remarks and reflection.- 28 If gene network.

`Particularly the first half of this book will be of interest to anyone interested in alternative ways to think about DNA and its future... I enjoyed reading this part of the book.'
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 3:1 (2000)