De-Extinction Argumentative Report

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During the past week, I had the opportunity to participate in an organized class debate regarding the use of scientific technology to bring extinct species back to life. The debate topic was presented within the framework that technology and practices capable of achieving the feat of de-extinction have already been developed. In other words, de-extinction is no longer merely a fantastical concept of science fiction, but something that is currently being pursued. The scope of discussion was rather broad as we not only discussed the potential implications of de-extinction on the environment, but also the implications that it may have on human morals, values, health, and societal advancement. I was assigned to argue in opposition of bringing extinct organisms back to life.
This debate …show more content…

Even if scientists were able to successfully resurrect a species, the ecological niche that it once occupied will not have remained vacant waiting for it to return. Furthermore, there are very serious risks associated with resurrecting extinct organisms such as the reintroduction of diseases and the potential for abuse of power that should not be ignored. As I conducted the necessary research and debate preparation with my team, I found that my initial perspective was reinforced. My colleagues presented compelling cases against de-extinction, and going into the debate, I felt that we would be the undisputed champions. However, as I considered the arguments presented by my opponents during the debate, there was one argument that really struck me. Shelby drew upon an analogy to the space race to emphasize that the technology necessary to accomplish de-extinction has already been largely developed. She suggested that de-extinction is no longer a question as to whether or not species resurrection is possible, but rather a matter of who

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