Liberal democracy and the genetic supermarket: Autonomy and freedom in Jurgen Moltmann's political theology and biotechnology
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Date
2015
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
SUN
Abstract
In this article, the concept of "liberal democracy" and its implications for biotechnology
such as human genetic engineering will be examined. Liberal democracy is characterised
by a number of features, some of which has extensive repercussions on biotechnology,
especially concepts such as the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil
liberties, political freedom for all people and autonomy and libertarianism. Advocates
of human genetic engineering for purposes other than the healing of genetically
transmitted diseases often appeal to these features in the quest for its legalisation. I
will examine whether the attributes of liberal democracy would indeed justify the use
of this type of biotechnology and if yes, what a possible theological response would be,
drawing on the political theology of Jurgen Moltmann.
Description
Keywords
Jurgen Moltmann, Autonomy, Liberal democracy, Genetic engineering
Citation
Kotze, M. (2015). Liberal democracy and the genetic supermarket: Autonomy and freedom in Jurgen Moltmann's political theology and biotechnology. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(1): 201-215