Biotechnology, Security and the Search for Limits ― An Inquiry into Research and Methods

Since 9/11 and the US anthrax attacks, public and policy concerns about the security threats posed by biological weapons has increased significantly. As a result, there are now active international deliberations about what restrictions should be placed on the openness of scientific research. Biotechnology, Security and the Search for Limits examines these security implications for life science research as well as the methodological issues associated with conducting social research. In doing so the book considers the place of biological and social research in creating and responding to societal problems through drawing on diverse academic traditions such as discourse analysis, social problems studies, philosophy, action research, science and technology studies, politics and public policy.