GENE DISCOURSES - POLITICS, CULTURE, LAW, AND FUTURES

In this article, we locate the future of genetic science in a variety of discourses, ranging from those that perceive science as part of the linear march of progress to those that see science as fundamentally v iolent with regard to its relationship to nature, gender, knowledge, a nd culture. We articulate how current and future law might deal with p otential developments in gene therapy, arguing that for some current l aw can adequately deal with the genetic revolution, whereas for others law must become more ethically and participant grounded. We describe likely sociopolitical scenarios, from gene acceptance to violent attac ks on genetic doctors. We conclude with more speculative scenarios-amo ng them, one in which humans will be remembered less for themselves an d more for the new species that will emerge from them.