Synthetic Science: A Response to Rabinow

Law and Literature, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2009

Villanova Law/Public Policy Research Paper No. 2010-04

15 Pages Posted: 29 Oct 2009 Last revised: 2 Nov 2009

See all articles by David S. Caudill

David S. Caudill

Villanova University School of Law

Date Written: October 28, 2009

Abstract

Rabinow’s description of the unique collaborative goal of synthetic biology at Berkeley, to foster a coproduction among multiple disciplines and perspectives from the outset (as opposed to downstream reflection upon ethical, legal, and social implications), is somewhat misleading. While that particular assemblage is represented as coproductive, the inevitability of science as a coproduction is eclipsed. That shortcoming may well be a strategic compromise to ensure effective collaboration, but it could backfire. Idealized images of science, which might be termed synthetic or artificial, have had adverse consequences in legal and administrative assessments of reliable science.

Keywords: synthetic biology, science studies, rhetoric, expertise

Suggested Citation

Caudill, David S., Synthetic Science: A Response to Rabinow (October 28, 2009). Law and Literature, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2009, Villanova Law/Public Policy Research Paper No. 2010-04, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1495817

David S. Caudill (Contact Author)

Villanova University School of Law ( email )

299 N. Spring Mill Road
Villanova, PA 19085
United States
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