Agro-technology: a philosophical introduction

Scientific background. Population genetics ; Quantitative genetics ; Hybridisation ; Molecular genetics

Application of genetics to agriculture. Genetic modification of plants and animals : techniques ; Agricultural biotechnology : current products and future prospects

Philosophical and conceptual background. A primer of logic, reasoning and evidence ; Relevant ethical theories ; Harm and risk analysis ; The precautionary principle

The controversy : ideological and theological objections. Advocacy and NGOs ; Interfering with life ; Patenting life

The controversy : purported benefits. Environmental benefits ; Yield and food security benefits ; Health benefits

The controversy : purported harms. Economic and corporate harms ; Environmental harms ; Health harms

The organic alternative. The environment : conventional, organic and GM agriculture ; Health : evidential lacunae ; The problem of yields ; GM and organic the false dichotomy

Impact on low and middle-income countries : poverty, farming, and colonial legacies

Concluding remarks.