ethics of human genetic enhancement

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Ethics of Human Genetic Enhancement

Genetic enhancement refers to the use of genetic engineering to modify a human’s traits in a way that will benefit them. Although genetic enhancement is capable of providing numerous benefits to the human species, there are a number of concerns that make it a highly debatable topic. While there are some valid claims against genetic enhancement in humans, the benefits outweigh the concerns. As these points are further explored, it will become obvious that human genetic enhancement provides many valuable improvements to human society as a whole and thus should be further researched.

Among the many facets of human life, athletic ability is among the most important. For many years, humans have longed to improve their bodies and achieve physical greatness. This can be seen in the way humans greatly celebrate physical competition, such as Usain Bolt’s 9.58s 100m or the Mr. Olympia tournament. As shown in Ronald Evans’ study on genetically engineered life, “Mice engineered to express more PPARδ in their muscle acquired the ability to run up to twice the distance of normal mice … This work demonstrates that complex physiologic properties such as fatigue, endurance, and running capacity can be genetically manipulated” (“Nuclear Receptors in Physiology and Disease”). If this method of physically enhancement was applied to humans, athletes would become greatly improved. As humans so greatly value physical fitness, faster, better, and stronger athletes would mean more exciting games, and thus provide more entertainment to viewers (“Human Genetic Enhancement”). Another area of life where this benefit is commonly overlooked is everyday life. Common activities such as travelling, transporting goods,...

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Human genetic engineering has the power to take the human race ahead in the 21st century. With it, we will be able to enhance every aspect of our physical and mental existence. It is crucial that we make the right decisions now, with the needs and wants of future generations in consideration. Genetic enhancement is our next step to a better living experience for everyone, regardless of status. Creating a world where everyone is genetically enhanced and can function at a higher level will transform the future of the human race. After examining the true facts and reasons behind genetic enhancement, it is clear that the human race will benefit greatly. As such, it is important that normal civilians do not disregard these practices as foreign and taboo, but rather encourage scientists in their quest for the ultimate panacea.

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