The moral economy of synthetic biology

Abstract

In merging engineering and biology and electing design as the main focus of research, synthetic biology is likely to bring deep changes in the set of norms and values that used to rule scientific research. Is it generating a new profile of biologist? Based on Lorraine Daston’s concept of the moral economy of science, this paper explores the affects, values and norms attached to the research activities of synthetic biologists. It endeavors to disentangle the values and norms underlying their writings and interviews More broadly, the purpose is to follow the genesis of a moral economy of science based on a specific case.