Vexing Nature? On the Ethical Case Against Agricultural Biotechnology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2000

From the book jacket: "In a fascinating narrative account of a journey that began in 1988 and ended twelve years later, Comstock tells the story of how he, an early and somewhat vocal critic of agricultural biotechnology, changed his mind about the ethical acceptability of GM organisms (GMO). Once tempted to oppose all uses of genetic engineering in agriculture, Comstock came to believe that many uses are morally justifiable, and even required."

This work is almost unprecedented in applied philosophy: a book that presents pro and con arguments by a man who has honestly and deeply felt the pull of the arguments on both sides. Comstock's struggle with the issues will enlighten them for all of us. -- Paul Thompson, Purdue University

In my most cynical moments, I say that the only difference between a philosopher and a lawyer is that a philosopher would not let someone else decide which conclusions he is going to defend. Comstock's book is an antidote to such cynicism about academic philosophy. -- Gary Varner of Texas A&M, Bioethics in Brief, May 2001

Carefully reasoned discussions of the practical and moral consequences of agricultural biotechnology . . . This will make an excellent text for environmental ethics and, more generally, for courses in science, technology, and values.
-- H. C. Byerly , CHOICE , Oct 2001

An intriguing intellectual adventure in the ethical assessment of technology . . . [that] will clearly help to advance the international discussion of this subject. Should be required reading for anyone interested in the GM controversy. -- Donald Duvick , Pioneer Hi-Bred (retired)

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