The rapid advancements in the life sciences and biotechnology are expanding our knowledge and abilities to manipulate human and non-human life in unprecedented ways, which activate a huge potential for opportunities. However, significant challenges arise for personal and collective life, as well as for the relationship between humans and the natural environment. From in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing, uterus transplantation, and postmortem fertilization, to transplants and delaying aging, to the collection and use of genetic information - not only for medical purposes but also in the administration of justice or their potential use by third parties - and genetic interventions aimed at the "perfection" of humans, in general genetic modification of organisms, critical ethical concerns are raised. Are there ethical limits to manipulating biological processes to achieve predetermined results? What are the potential implications in relation to the fundamental principles of our social coexistence, dignity, personal freedoms, and human rights? What are the risks of abuse, as well as economic and political exploitation of the findings of the life sciences, and how can they be prevented? The social integration of bio-scientific achievements acquires significant socio-political significance, as their utilization is linked to issues of organizing life in a democratic state.

This volume - the result of collaboration among a network of scientists from different fields within the framework of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program "Bioethics" of the University of Crete - attempts to address the above concerns, which constitute the interdisciplinary field of bioethics. Through the examination of a wide range of problems in key areas of bioethical discourse, it seeks to contribute to the deepening of its problematic, to broaden public understanding of contemporary life science achievements, and to strengthen the demand for their reasonable utilization for individual and collective life.