This symposium focused on the social, political, and ethical implications of the current trends in genetic research. Four papers are presented here along with transcripts of the accompanying discussions. The topics include: (1) genetics and the biological basis of the human condition; (2) the pros and cons of genetic counseling; (3) genetics and the law; and (4) genetics, reproductive biology, and bioethics. Some of the issues addressed by the participants were how to correct or prevent undesirable phenotypic structure and behavior, how to achieve socially agreed-upon genetic goals, how to identify those individuals who are genetically at risk, how to counsel such persons, how to identify the ethical issues and how to resolve conflict values, how to formulate laws that will best aid in attaining socially agreed upon goals, and how to deal with ethical dissidents to specific genetic laws. (Author/BB)