Genetic Engineering: Pros and Cons

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Our world has finally begun its long-predicted descent into the depths of chaos. We may not yet realize it, but more and more problems plague the very state of our humanity with each passing day, such as cancer, famine, genetic disorders, and social elitism. It seems as though there is little hope, although a new solution has finally emerged, in the form of genetic engineering. It is apparent, however, that currently we cannot proceed, because while there are an abundant amount of advantages to genetic engineering, it is not a utopian process; criticism includes its practicality, theological implications, and changes in modern social structure. From a purely political aspect, genetic engineering brings about a heavy debate about whether or not the benefits outweigh the humanitarian harms.

The process of genetic engineering is simple, though its actual implementation offers many technical challenges. As new developments in the technology come into being, it becomes increasingly noticeable that we are crossing into foreign ground, and as a result, our expertise in the field is relatively low (White). The basic idea behind this concept is that the genes responsible for determining traits are composed of long strands of DNA. New inventions have granted humans the power to manipulate this DNA, allowing us to change the traits of the organism (Genetic). Unfortunately, this process has not been completely perfected. Many critics of genetic engineering advocate that we adopt a “precautionary principle” mindset, in which society as a whole rejects gene manipulation in practice until we have completely perfected the process, so as to avoid any drastic mistakes that could permanently affect an innocent being (White). In theory, genetic engi...

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...igner Babies: The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering." MIT Undergraduate Journal 12 (2009). Print.

Rollin, B.E. "Bad Ethics, Good Ethics and the Genetic Engineering of Animals in Agriculture." Journal of Animal Science 74.3 (1996): 535-41. Print.

United States. President’s Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Splicing Life: A Report on the Social and Ethical Issues of Genetic Engineering with Human Being. Washington: President’s Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research, 1982. Print.

White, Edward. "Genetic Engineering." Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues. Ed. Michael Shally-Jensen. Vol. 4: Environment, Science, and Technology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2011. 1439-1450. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 24 Jan. 2012.

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