Social and Genomic Constructions of Chimera

Arthur Saniotis

Chimera ； Transgenics ； Mythology ； Commerce ； Embodiment

Journal of Futures Studies

11卷3期（2007 / 02 / 01）

47 - 59

英文

The use of chimera in medical science has been both controversial and highlights how life categories are reconstrued and constructed. Chimera have been popular in ancient and cross cultural mythologies and represent human/non-human boundaries. Chimera also reaffirm the concern with human and non-human animal relations which are prevalent in many indigenous cosmologies. At present, chimera in the form of ”pharm” animals are being commercialised for their medical benefits. While such animals are show pieces of the new biotechnologies, there is growing concern about the future directions of chimera and their implications for human society. In this paper, I identify chimera at three sites with a view of providing an overview of chimera; their past and present constructions, and future human/animal transgenic possibilities.