The Gene
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October 2018 Discussion Questions
UF Hillel
Oct 03, 2018 10:06AM
1. The story of Mukherjee’s own family is woven throughout the book, and it helps us appreciate the relevance of genetics to everyday life – how has reading The Gene made you reflect on yourself and your own family’s story?
2. Why is being aware of a history of genetic conditionals, especially hereditary cancers so important to the Ashkenazi Jewish community?
3. Mukherjee’s exploration of eugenics gives us a chilling reminder of how science can be manipulated to justify evil. Do you think it would better to limit scientific research to prevent information being used to prop up morally questionable ideas? Who is responsible for ensuring this doesn’t happen?
4. Rosalind Franklin’s work on the structure of DNA was absolutely vital to Watson and Crick’s discovery, yet she did not receive the same level of recognition. Do you think this was purely down to her position as a female scientist at the time, or were there other factors at play?
2. Why is being aware of a history of genetic conditionals, especially hereditary cancers so important to the Ashkenazi Jewish community?
3. Mukherjee’s exploration of eugenics gives us a chilling reminder of how science can be manipulated to justify evil. Do you think it would better to limit scientific research to prevent information being used to prop up morally questionable ideas? Who is responsible for ensuring this doesn’t happen?
4. Rosalind Franklin’s work on the structure of DNA was absolutely vital to Watson and Crick’s discovery, yet she did not receive the same level of recognition. Do you think this was purely down to her position as a female scientist at the time, or were there other factors at play?
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