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Rationalizing the GMO Debate: The Ordonomic Approach to Addressing Agricultural Myths

Author

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  • Stefan Hielscher

    (Chair of Economic Ethics, Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstraße 73, Halle 06108, Germany)

  • Ingo Pies

    (Chair of Economic Ethics, Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstraße 73, Halle 06108, Germany)

  • Vladislav Valentinov

    (Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 2, Halle 06120, Germany)

  • Lioudmila Chatalova

    (Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 2, Halle 06120, Germany)

Abstract

The public discourse on the acceptability of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not only controversial, but also infused with highly emotional and moralizing rhetoric. Although the assessment of risks and benefits of GMOs must be a scientific exercise, many debates on this issue seem to remain impervious to scientific evidence. In many cases, the moral psychology attributes of the general public create incentives for both GMO opponents and proponents to pursue misleading public campaigns, which impede the comprehensive assessment of the full spectrum of the risks and benefits of GMOs. The ordonomic approach to economic ethics introduced in this research note is helpful for disentangling the socio-economic and moral components of the GMO debate by re- and deconstructing moral claims.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Hielscher & Ingo Pies & Vladislav Valentinov & Lioudmila Chatalova, 2016. "Rationalizing the GMO Debate: The Ordonomic Approach to Addressing Agricultural Myths," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:5:p:476-:d:69706
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    References listed on IDEAS

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