The Gene-Edited Babies Controversy in China: Field Philosophical Questioning. (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Ping; Mitcham, Carl
• Is Part Of: Social epistemology. Volume 35:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 379
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Gene-edited babies -- China -- stakeholders -- RRI -- field philosophy; Social epistemology -- Periodicals; 121
• DOI: 10.1080/02691728.2020.1752842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-1728

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The concept of field philosophy challenges a common self-understanding in Western philosophy. One question regarding this challenge is the extent to which it might be relevant to a philosophical and cultural tradition other than that in which it originated. The birth of gene-edited babies in late 2018 in Shenzhen and subsequent response within China offer an occasion for considering such a question. A narrative review, emphasizing how discussions in China itself have unfolded, rather than the course of international discussions of this real-world problem, suggests a need to qualify the applicability of field philosophy beyond American and European contexts. Many English language reports fail to note the broad involvement from government agencies, scientific institutions, professional organizations, news media, and netizens (both academics and the public). What we called field philosophical journalism can help identify limitations in some non-Chinese perspectives and complement if not directly contribute to field philosophy.