The Recombinant DNA Debate

What factors challenge conventional decision makers?

• The virtue of having those at risk involved in decision-making
• Historical autonomy of scientists; should this continue w/ public financial support of research?
• Challenges to the legitimacy of current decision-making organizations are based on:
  • University/industrial financial interdependency
  • Intense competition within science
  • Each could lead to decision made for the individual not public good.
• Realization that science is not ethically neutral.