Whose Mind Over Whose Matter? Women, In Vitro Fertilisation and the Development of Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the development of scientific knowledge as a social activity. Specifically, the recent formulation of scientific knowledge of early cell differentiation represented in the term ‘pre-embryo’ is investigated. I examine the circumstances giving rise to the perception and articulation of the concept ‘pre-embryo’, and outline how this particular interpretation of perceived events in nature’ is being incorporated as knowledge within the scientific community. That is, I examine the social infrastructure which gave rise to the expression and incorporation of this concept. In so doing, I show the connection between particular goals and interests relating to experimentation on embryos derived from women’s eggs,¹ and the development of the concept ‘pre-embryo’ within science.