Drifting to New Worlds: On Politics and Science in Modern Biotechnology

Abstract

This chapter shows how the tension between science and politics manifests itself in practice by focusing on the case of biotechnology. Biotechnology, along with computing, nanotechnology and particle physics, is a new science with revolutionary potential. It describes how the history of biotechnology reveals a dynamic interchange between science and politics, where scientific innovation is funded, supported by politics and shaped by national and commercial interests. Though science is an important partner in this relationship, what people discern from this account is the overarching dominance of politics and commerce in directing scientific innovation. The authoritative influence of politics conceals a more powerful scientific impulse that seems impervious to political control. Biotechnological challenges to politics are usually interpreted or defined as 'ethical' problems that can be resolved with suitable examination, discussion and debate.