DNA, brain, mind and soul : a Confucian perspective

This chapter argues that the rapid technological development of neurogenetics does not give more credit to naturalistic understanding than Confucian non-naturalistic metaphysics. The richness of the Confucian lifeworld based on Confucian ritual performance as well as familial relationships cannot be rendered possible without sustaining Confucian religious convictions regarding the mind and the soul, in addition to naturalistic understandings of DNA and the brain. Moreover, in relation to its non-naturalist convictions of the soul and the unity of the family, Confucianism morally objects to ethical individualism. The chapter lays out the moral landscape of Confucian ethical familism and indicates its practical implications for proper ethical guidelines regarding the research and application of neurogenetics. It suggests that Confucianism should not accept individualist exclusive rights regarding the procurement, access to and use of individual genetic information or data, because such information and data are naturally shared among family members. Confucian society should formulate family-based ethical guidelines and relevant policies in order to protect both individual interests and family values in neurogenetic research.