Michael Sandel The Case Against Perfection Summary

In Michael Sandels’s paper, The Case against Perfection, he argues against genetic enhancement. Sande’ls argues that the use of bioengineering, and genetic enhancement comprises individual’s talents and abilities. He reasons that without the prevalent use of genetic engineering technologies currently, individuals have peace of mind that’s faults may be simply due to their genetic makeup, something which is out of our control. Additionally, Sandel, compares genetic engineering technology, to old eugenics. Sandel, ultimately views any form genetic engineering morally impermissible stating “the impulse genetically engineer a more perfect generation is still morally problematic, even if we imagine that such engineering is done with any correction

He explains that the ultimate reason we admire individuals is based on talent rather than effort alone. He gives the example of the example of “mediocre basketball player”, who puts in all of effort, but is not as talented as Michael Jordan. Sandel compares genetic enhancement, to steroid use, for enhancement in professional athletes, in which he states, “the problem with genetically altered athletes is that it corrupts athletic competition and natural talents.”. Additionally, Sandel views genetic engineering, as tool of hyper-parenting. He reasons that, by allowing parents to pick and choose which they desire in their child, they are transforming love, rather than accepting love. In which, sandel defines transforming love as “molding” one’s child into how they turn out, as opposed to accepting love, which beholding the child to what they become. (slide 20). While a balance of the two is ideal, favouring to towards the transforming love more than accepting love, would result in “..., badgering, and finally rejecting” (Sandel, 433). For these reasons, Sandel ultimately reasons that genetic enhancement is not morally