What Are Stem Cells?

Definitions at the Intersection of Science and Politics

By: John Lynch

Write A Review

Hardcover | 6 October 2011

At a Glance

Hardcover
192 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.8 x 15.4 x 2.2

Hardcover

$101.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $25.44 with

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

In recent years political, religious, and scientific communities have engaged in an ethical debate regarding the development of and research on embryonic stem cells. Does the manipulation of embryonic stem cells destroy human life? Or do limitations imposed on stem cell research harm patients who might otherwise benefit?

John Lynch's What Are Stem Cells? identifies the moral stalemate between the rights of the embryo and the rights of the patient and uses it as the framework for a larger discussion about the role of definitions as a key rhetorical strategy in the debate. In the case of stem cells, the controversy arises from the manner in which stem cells are defined--in particular, whether they are defined with an appeal to their original source or to their future application. Definitions such as these, Lynch argues, are far more than convenient expository references; they determine the realities of any given social discourse.

Lynch addresses definitions conceptually--their stability in the face of continual technological innovation, their versatility at the crossroads of scientific and public forums, and their translations and retranslations through politics. Most importantly, his work recognizes definitions as central to issues, not only within the topic of stem cell research, but also in all argumentation.

Industry Reviews

Although bioethical issues surrounding stem cell research during the Bush and Obama administrations form a backdrop, Lynch (communication, Univ. of Cincinnati) is more concerned here with how language is used than with ethical positions. He presents definitions not so much as reflections of reality, but more as malleable tools for shaping public debate and policy. He introduces the idea of "scientistic idioms" to describe how various proponents and opponents of stem cell research incorporate the language of science to bolster their positions. Ironically, critics of stem cell research often use scientific idioms to challenge and undermine the authority of stem cell researchers. Lynch also frames his analysis in terms of a 'Manichean idiom' that presents stem cell research in terms of struggles between good and evil. For proponents of stem cell research, the Manichean idiom may take the form of scientific progress versus benighted religious or political agendas. Opponents may use the same idiom to contrast overreaching science with protection of human values. Lynch's analysis is useful for understanding not only debates over stem cell research, but also contentious issues such as teaching evolution in schools--a topic briefly addressed in the conclusion. Part of the 'Rhetoric, Culture, and Social Critique' series. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." -CHOICE

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.

You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Medicine Pre-Clinical Medicine & Basic Sciences Medical Genetics Philosophy Society & Culture Ethical Issues & Debates Ethical Issues of Scientific & Technological Developments Reference, Information & Interdisciplinary Subjects Interdisciplinary Studies Communication Studies Science

Science in General Impact of Science & Technology on Society Other Branches of Medicine Accident & Emergency Medicine Language & Linguistics Linguistics Semantics & Discourse Analysis

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Science-Based Controversies and Idioms of Public Argument	p. 1
Timely and Powerful: Defining Stem Cells through Appeals to Application	p. 16
Abortion and the Embryo: Right-to-Life Arguments as a Source for Rhetorical Invention	p. 44
Blastocysts, Spare Embryos, and Embryo Adoption: Redefining the Beginnings of Human Life	p. 73
Power, Potency, and Plasticity: Hierarchies of Stem Cells and Their Inherent Ambiguities	p. 90
Stalemate and the Idioms of Science-Based Controversy: George W. Bush's Manichean Idiom and Barack Obama's Return to a Scientistic Idiom	p. 118
Scientistic and Manichean Idioms of Public Argument	p. 146
Notes	p. 155
Works Cited	p. 161
Index	p. 181
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

What Are Stem Cells?

Definitions at the Intersection of Science and Politics

At a Glance

Hardcover

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

More in Communication Studies

The Next Conversation

Argue Less, Talk More

The Culture Code

The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen

A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7

Unmasking Autism

The Power of Embracing Our Hidden Neurodiversity

Chinese Platforms

A Critical Introduction

The Culture Map (INTL ED)

Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Cultures

How to Talk to Anyone

92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

Good Arguments

What the art of debating can teach us about listening better and disagreeing well

Fierce Conversations

Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One Conversation at a Time

Global Media

Key Ideas in Media and Cultural Studies

Global Media

Key Ideas in Media and Cultural Studies

How To Talk

Siblings Without Rivalry

John and Paul

A Love Story in Songs - 'The first new Beatles story in decades'

The Communication Book

44 Ideas for Better Conversations Every Day

Difficult Conversations

How to Discuss What Matters Most

The Dictionary Of Body Language

Better Conversations

Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected

How Writing Works 2ed

A field guide to effective writing

Youâre Not Listening

What Youâre Missing and Why It Matters

All About Love: The Deluxe Collector's Edition

New Visions

Surrounded by Liars

How to Stop Lies and Half-truths Ruining Your Life

Burn the Haystack

Decode Dating, Torch the Duds, and Make Room for Men Who Matter

The Next Conversation Workbook

Practical Exercises for Arguing Less and Talking More

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships

This product is categorised by