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Latina Feminist Metaphysics and Genetically Engineered Foods

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Abstract

In this paper I critique two popular, non-scientific attitudes toward genetically engineered foods. In doing so, I will be employing the concepts of ambiguity, purity/impurity, control/resistance, and unity/diversity as developed by Latina feminist metaphysicians. I begin by casting a critical eye toward a specific anti-biotech account of transgenic food crops, an account that I will argue relies on an anti-feminist metaphysics. I then cast that same critical eye toward a specific pro-biotech account, arguing that it also relies on such an anti-feminist metaphysics. I will argue further that this metaphysics yields a less accurate account of genetics. I end by arguing that if we adopt a Latina feminist metaphysics we can more accurately understand plants, genetics, and genetic engineering.

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Correspondence to Lisa A. Bergin.

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Bergin, L.A. Latina Feminist Metaphysics and Genetically Engineered Foods. J Agric Environ Ethics 22, 257–271 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-008-9144-3

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