Abstract
In the beginning of the twenty-first century amazing progress has been made
in the field of medical technology. New diagnostic techniques are increasingly
enabling us to present physiological processes in a functional context. So far medical techniques had mainly been limited to the analysis of single parameters: a cell, a gene, a protein, but now a more synoptic view has become possible. One could say that, instead of laboriously deciphering single letters, we can now read complete books. This leads to high expectations of a better understanding of physical facts and processes, and ways to influence them.
This process puts forward several questions: Where does this progress lead
us? What do we expect to achieve with constantly increasing medical care? What
about the resources to be invested in this field? How will the ever-increasing
transparency of physiological processes, which also bring to light aspects of the personal way of life, influence the existing power structure in a society? Will the extended possibilities to check one’s bodily functions influence the individual responsibility? The way in which society deals with these questions will be of the utmost importance for its development.
Original language | German |
---|---|
Awarding Institution |
|
Supervisors/Advisors |
|
Award date | 31 Jan 2008 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-2620-3 |
Publication status | Published - 31 Jan 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- IR-58395