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Human genetic modification pros
Benefits of genetic engineering to man
Importance of genetic engineering to society
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There has long been argument over whether genetic modification holds the key to our future as a species, or if the risks and downsides of genetic modification outweigh all of the possible rewards . There have been an uncountable number of papers written on the subject, arguing both for and against. Ronald M. Green's article “Building Baby from the Genes Up” argues that genetic modification has many possible benefits to the human race, such as preventing deadly diseases, and eliminating fears that genetic modification would lead to the creation of a selective “master race” where babies are hand picked to be doctors and athletes by their parents. In contrast to Green is Richard Hayes' article “Genetically Modified Humans? No Thanks.” in which Hayes disagrees with Green, saying that genetic modification would no doubt lead to hand picked “designer” babies, which would destroy the free will and futures of children who were born into their destiny. Hayes' final point, saying that although it is a good thing to use genetic modification to eliminate diseases such and cancer and obesity, we shouldn't go any further than that when it comes to messing with the genes of unborn babies. Although both authors make some great points in their essays, Green definitely makes the stronger more persuasive argument than Hayes, who basically just gives his opinion without backing it up with anything. One of the main points mentioned in both articles is that genetic modification is very useful in the sense that it could help get rid of some of the most deadly diseases that plague humanity, like different types of cancer and Alzheimer’s. This can be done by going into the unborn fetus and basically just eliminating the gene that would cause it. Neither ... ... middle of paper ... ...e thought of them becoming a surgeon in mind, they could later on decide that they wanted to be a piano player instead, which steady hands would also really help with. We live in nation where you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it, and that's still applicable even with or without modified genes. Richard Hayes and Ronald Green definitely have two very different opinions on genetic modification. One believes it is the key to our future, and the other believes it is an idea best left in the past. Both give great arguments to their viewpoint, by giving some great real world examples of how genetic modification can be used to benefit human society, and potentially harm in. In the end, Green is the author that makes a stronger argument by being more in depth with his ideas and viewpoints and being more thorough while dis-assembling opposing arguments.
SUMMARY: Director of the Ethics Institute, Ronald M. Green, in his article “Building Baby from the Genes Up” discusses why he thinks that genetically modifying babies genes is more beneficial than destructive. He begins his article off by mentioning a story of a couple who wishe to genetically modify their baby so that they could make sure the baby would not develop the long family line of breast cancer. Green then notifies the reader that no matter where they stand on the matter, genetically modifying babies is going to become more and more popular. Even the National Institute of Health is beginning to invest in technology that can be used to genetically modify human genes. He then explains how genetically modifying human genes can be beneficial,
Hemmy Cho, the author of “Enhancing Humans Through Science in Beneficial”, believes that “all people should be able to benefit from important and worthwhile advancements in human technology” (Cho 1). By claiming that enhancing humans through science is beneficial, she is a strong believer that scientist can “select the gender, hair colour, personality, IQ, and eliminate any diseases and 'negative' traits such as anti-social tendencies” (Cho 1). She also thinks that now that we have advances in human technology, we don’t have to rely on evolution, (In this case, evolution is referring to parents passing on genes to the child), parents can choose what traits they want their child to have. Cho makes the point that, “many people feel uncomfortable
...dvances in genetics that are hurting the human race. Schaeffer (2005) stated, "advocates of genetic engineering...support the position that the weak should not be kept alive through medical advances to produce a weaker next generation" (p. 151). Genetic advances have done so much more than improve the lives of the strong. The field of genetics has been able to identify the gene that causes cancer and other diseases that debilitate human beings. I believe the field of genetics has been working towards improving the lives of the weak instead of finding a way to eradicate their existence. I cannot agree with Schaeffer on his discussion of the use of genetics in society.
When it comes to the topic of genetic modification some of us will readily agree that humanity would be better off without it. Where as some are convinced that genetic modification may be the best way to go for the next generation, others maintain that it will cause conflict and separation between societies. Some of us can agree that even though scientists say genetic modification is to break the cycle of cancer and other inherited diseases, I say that along with the process comes the option of changing other features in your unborn child. Genetic modification should not occur because even though some consider it a good thing there are still a lot of negative things that come from this like cell imbalance.
Science and technology are rapidly advancing everyday; in some ways for the better, and in some, for worse. One extremely controversial advance is genetic engineering. As this technology has high potential to do great things, I believe the power genetic engineering is growing out of control. Although society wants to see this concept used to fight disease and illness, enhance people 's lives, and make agriculture more sustainable, there needs to be a point where a line is drawn.
This site was actually a book review. It explained the different viewpoints of genetic engineering in humans. The information was limited because the book was not available to compare with, however, the powerful opposing sides of the article made many great points that maybe not every person would think of. The ideas varied from genetically enhancing children to an extent that parents could decide whether they want their children to be star athlete material, or strong, but gentle people in the future, to creating a child that might as well have “made in the USA” tattooed on his or her arm. This wild idea was inspired because of the chance that parents could pick out eye color, body shape, and color of skin, all before the baby is born. Most of this article focused on the ethics of genetic engineering in humans.
As previously stated, one side is in favor of continued research, and one is not. Those who are for germline editing argue that the benefits far outweigh the risks. The benefits being that germline editing could be used to permanently rid families of genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, or birth defects such as down syndrome. It may also be possible to implant genes that offer lifelong protection against infection, Alzheimer’s, and even the effects of aging. (Regalado, 2015) Another supporter, George Church, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, believes “germline editing is unlikely to cause dangerous, unforeseen mutations….[and] Banning human-germline editing could put a damper on the best medical research and instead drive the practice underground.” (Church, 2015) The main concern of those who oppose it will be hard to predict the unintended long-term effects, such those that only occur later in life, and the effect on future generations who will inherit the alterations. (Bosley, 2015) There are also those who believe that while people may start out with good intentions, eventually they will be tempted to use this technology in an unintended and unethical manner by making “designer” babies who are more attractive, intelligent, or athletic than they would naturally be. (Bosley, 2015) My research could help develop more informed
Genetic modification will only add one more category, which people will have to worry about. Not only will people have a new category to worry about, but not all parents will be able to afford genetically modified children. Children who are modified will feel superior to those who aren’t. Even though genetic modification sounds like a good idea to improve a child’s health or abilities, parents should also look at the reverse effect it can have. For some children whose parents choose to pursue genetic modification, it could have a reverse effect on them, instead of curing a child from a disease, or helping them achieve their physical or mental capabilities, genetic modification can make the child’s situation worse.
The idea of genetic engineering has been a very heated topic of discussion lately. The possibilities of this topic range from cloning to gene therapy and eugenics. The most recent type, eugenics through gene therapy has created a lot of controversy. Eugenics is the study of how to improve human genetic heritage. This basically is the engineering of babies. The thought of these new designer babies raises many new questions. What are the consequences of these advances? Is it right to design an embryo in a certain way to make it into what the parents want it to be? These are just a couple of the very important questions raised by this issue. As the debate to whether eugenics should be allowed rages on, the technology comes closer to making this possibility into a reality.
Genetic engineering or “genetic enhancement refers to the transfer of genetic material intended to modify nonpathological human traits” (Hanna 1). These enhancements are used to modify human embryos and during gene therapy. There are currently two different approaches to gene manipulation, embryo elimination or genetic alteration. The point being, there is a choice of either disposing of an embryo because it has a genetic defect or genetic alteration of a gene which results in removing traits or enhancing them. There are birth defects and fatal incurable diseases that need to be eliminated. Genetic engineering could pave the way to discover ways to eliminate or at least reduce them. Genetic engineering to eliminate incurable diseases and birth defects should be used because it will reduce suffering and pain for both children and their parents.
...s would refer to the parents as having no harmful hereditary diseases or mutations that could be passed down to the child. If genetic engineering was allowed for any purpose other than that, then all we are doing is then altering human beings simply because we desire so. Is it really that necessary for your child to have certain coloured features? Is it really that desirable to have your child possess an IQ of 190 or to never tire physically? I think that it is important to remember that desire is a significant part of human nature. We will always desire what we cannot attain, but if that desire was attainable, it would only result in more far-fetched desires. Society as we know it would cease to exist, but instead consumed by a world obsessed with desire; a determination and a need to reach perfection, a perfection that should otherwise be naturally unattainable.
In conclusion genetic modification is a type of modification that some people see as beneficial and some see as harmful. It has been thought that it will help with diseases and make people happier and healthier. Genetic modification is not worth all of the consequences that come with it. Although genetic modification may have some benefits it is far outweighed by all of the possible negative Sid effects and
Imagine a future where everyone is perfect. Where no one is judged for being ugly because everyone is beautiful and flawless, where each individual is gifted in a specific category and they excel and go beyond what an average mundane could. This is a possible scene we may encounter in the future if we allow the research of genetically- modified embryos or better yet GM babies to continue. It is a topic that has been discussed for quite some time. For some people this interests them in the sense that we can become the best versions of ourselves, simply by changing our genes. Not only that but we can also find paths that can lead to cure certain diseases and keep future generations from inheriting them. The idea seems appealing to many but there are disadvantage people question regarding the topic of genetic modification. Some ask if it is ethical to
Usually when people hear anything about genetics and modifications between cells, they automatically think of Hollywood movies such as Jurassic Park or Planet of the Apes., but even though scientists can now extract dinosaur DNA, and possibly create one if they wanted to, that is not what people should think. Genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. This could be taken as the play of God (medical-moral) by creating unnatural life. While there are some bad decisions made regarding genetic engineering by the scientists who just want to be recognized, many positive outcomes are attributed to genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a beneficial way to help
We cannot be sure about the outcomes of the genetic modifications because preventing one disease may also lead to another genetic abnormality. It may also lead to choosing certain traits over the others and therefore create selective breeding of the human race. Opponents express a concern “that genetic modification will destroy genetic diversity and will lead to a ‘neo-eugenic,’ or new eugenics, movement, homogenizing the population over time in a discriminatory manner” (Ossareh 764). In the pursuit of perfection, we may erase some genes from the human genome and favor only certain