The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Engineering

Jason Garcia

Professor Frost

English 1102

2/19/14

Paper 2 Final Draft Dalai Lama

Ethical standard: Genetic Modification to Create Superhuman Race

Nearly every single day we are introduced to new genetic discoveries that can alter the path in which our society may take. Scientist are now able to point out many specific genes such as living a long life, self healing, superhuman strength, and having an enhanced memorization among various other unimaginable traits. In his essay, “ Ethics and The New Genetics” The Dalai Lama believes that there is a place and time for when technological and genetic advances should be used. He also realizes the repercussions for our present and future if these genetic advances are used in the wrong way. Relatively similar to The Dalai Lama, In his essay, “Human Dignity” Francis Fukuyama examines what makes humans unique. He also believes we should approach genetic modifications with appropriate caution and prior research. The belief that there are possible benefits and negative consequences of developing a “super race” of people or nonhuman animals is a thought that many argue; regardless of what our society believes, long term effects of genetic mutation are unknown to us. The reason why genetic engineering is wrong is because it could lead to an irreversible alteration of the entire human species.

Any technology that offers benefits will usually come with risks as well. In order to make wise decisions about using a technology, we must understand its potential impacts well enough to decide whether the risks are acceptably low. The risk associated by the use of genetic engineering are simple and fall particularly in two sections: risk concerning human health, and environmental issues. In his ...

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...action” (192). Meaning the world we live in would lose it’s diversity and could change the order of life and society, as we know it today.

Dalai Lama recognizes how the medicinal advancement of genetic modification is able to affect the world, “ But now, or at any rate soon, genetics can tell individuals and families that they have genes which may kill or maim them in childhood, youth, or middle age. This knowledge could radically alter our definition of health and sickness” (134). This quote reflects the idea that there is no boundaries on how scientist can modify the human body in regard to diseases or illnesses. Ultimately, creating a “ super race” has it’s pros and cons, but at the end of the day the outcome of altering human genetics is still unknown to us and should not be altered with for the sake of creating a perfect society.