Biotechnological paradigm – limits and possibilities:social impacts and ethical frontiers

Abstract

The article reflects on the diffusion of information and communication technologies underlining the dependence of the production system on its innovation capacity. This leads to an endless search for better products and process, in order to assure greater flexibility and higher productivity. Emphasizing the relevance of the biotechnological paradigm in the contemporary world, it points out the emergence of a society which is characterized by a reevaluated moral conduct in face of recent accomplishments of the bioindustry. Examples of recent processes developed by the bioindustry are in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer; new medicines; and new interfaces with humans expectations.