Dalla biopolitica alla polis genetica?

The most recent accomplishments in the field of biological research are not only exercising an ever more important impact on medicine, but also have the potential to transform the political and legal forms of society, directing and modifying the very destiny of human nature. The scientific revolution in course in the sphere of the life sciences is resulting in a shift from biopolitics (in the meaning reconstructed by Foucault) to a new, original dimension, where the human species starts to dominate living matter, as anticipated by Jürgen Habermas in his book The Future of Human Nature. The risks of genetic liberalism. The developments in biosciences and biotechnologies raise new problems and new societal conditions regarding the manipulation of living matter, genetic selection, genetic information and the social legitimisation (in a democratic way) of such interventions. We are facing a new dimension, both real and conceptual, which can be defined as polis genetica. It is a perspective that includes the influences of gene research on human behaviour and physical performance, new gene and cell therapies, embryo manipulation and the repercussions of these procedures in the social sphere and on the individual.

Parole chiave:Biopolitica, bioscienze, eugenetica, selezione genetica, crimini, legittimazione

Carlo Antonio Gobbato, Dalla biopolitica alla polis genetica? in "SALUTE E SOCIETÀ" 3/2010, pp 28-54, DOI: 10.3280/SES2010-003004