The Need and Deterrence of Public Trust in Synthetic Embryology: An Inquiry into the Alleged Possibility of Promoting Public Trust in Biomedicine

Abstract

In this Master thesis, I argue against the implicit, although commonly held, view that it is possible to successfully promote public trust in biomedicine. This argument is two-fold. First, I refute this idea by showing the infeasibility of successfully governing trust, especially in the face of the ethical challenges raised by synthetic embryology. In particular, it is argued that (1) the public is not a coherent body of people, with equally coherent values and expectations, (2) biomedicine encompasses a myriad of specialized fields, with equally divergent aims, and (3) trust relationships are contingent upon a multitude of intricate mechanisms that are difficult to manage. Chapter three lends credence to this argument by showing how the ethical challenges raised by SHEEFs may further enforce these difficulties. Second, I argue against the idea that it is possible to promote public trust by enhancing the motivational aspect of one’s trustworthiness. I focus on three prominent views regarding the motivation required for trustworthiness, and show that they are ultimately insufficient in promoting the public’s trust in synthetic embryology. Thus, I conclude that biomedicine is left with a significant challenge, for promoting public trust is both required and deterred in light of synthetic embryology.