An Ethic of Connectedness: Book Review of The Connected Self: The Ethics and Governance of the Genetic Individual

Abstract

The Connected Self: The Ethics and Governance of the Genetic Individual challenges readers to engage in both the social and scientific complexities of researching the human genome, and how they influence evolving conceptions of the self. Heather Widdows proposes that the existing principles of bioethics, which govern biomedical research, insufficiently reflect the interactions of individuals to their communities and social networks, and argues that recognition of such interactions in understanding genetics and health is necessary for policies to effectively safeguard research participants from harms that may result.