著者

今泉 晶

出版者

日本フードシステム学会

雑誌

フードシステム研究 (ISSN:13410296)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.17, no.3, pp.145-156, 2010-12-31 (Released:2011-08-04)

参考文献数

28

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With the advance of genetic modification (GM) technology, there has been a trend towards trade in genetic information. However, considering genetic information as vital information, there are questions over whether it is appropriate to treat it as a tradable good. In other words, such trade raises ethical questions regarding the control and utilization of genetic information.To study these ethical questions, it is first necessary to clarify the problems relating to property of genetic information. This article studies a case involving seeds for agricultural use, and will critically examine the relevant legal system and previous arguments from the viewpoint of the justification of private property. This study has resulted in indicating three new points.First, property of genetic information has become an issue due to the use of GM technology in plant breeding. The genetic information is considered to be a tradable good separate from the seed itself, leading to a situation in which a seed = matter + genetic information. From an analysis of the legal system, it is clear that genetic information can be considered private property.Second, an analysis of prior discussion has shown that the notion of genetic information as private property is regarded as a self-evident truth in economic studies of the issue. This has resulted in avoidance of discussion on any values other than economic efficiency and the initial allocation of goods.Third, by critically reviewing previous discussion from a viewpoint of regarding genetic information as vital information, it became clear that genetic information has unique points when compared with other economic goods.In conclusion, the justification of property rights of genetic information should be reexamined from the viewpoint of the fundamental principles of property rights and the uniqueness of genetic information.