Calling controversy: assessing synthetic biology's conflict potential

Public Understanding of Science
Helge Torgersen, Jürgen Hampel

Abstract

Will synthetic biology elicit controversies similar to those of genetically modified crops before? Maybe, but where exactly are the analogies, and how can we gain substantial insights rather than mere guesses? We argue that as well as the intrinsic properties of the technologies at stake, the context of their implementation is decisive. To assess mechanisms of past and potential controversies, an investigative tool is presented. The Gate Resonance model, derived from older models of societal conflict, allows the identification of key elements of conflict generating processes. In monitoring the developing debate on synthetic biology using this model, analogies to the case of genetically modified crops appear less convincing. So far, there are only few indications that a controversy is imminent.

Citations

Sep 24, 2015·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Martí DomínguezManuel Porcar
Jun 27, 2014·Public Understanding of Science·Alexander Bogner, Helge Torgersen
Oct 6, 2017·Frontiers in Genetics·Christian IneichenAnna Deplazes-Zemp
Dec 1, 2015·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Johannes StarkbaumPeter Dabrock

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