The power and ability to create new life has astonished many individuals. Many people believe that it is unethical and goes against the laws of nature, but science seems to always save humanity. “There are many medical, agricultural , and personal advantages to genetic engineering” (May) and I believe that our society needs to give it a chance before judging it as inhumane. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was trying to get her point across to humans that we cannot be scared to take the next step forward. No one knows the outcome unless they try and that is the urge that drove Victor to create his own monster. In order to advance science, it is our duty to experiment with human genetics to create new life and hopefully save another.
Matthew Liao, a philosophical professor sees human modification as a possible solution to climate change. One of his theories is to make humans smaller to decrease the amount of food they eat (Anderson). Since larger people need more energy and food, this could help society in decreasing the amount they consume in their lifetime. “There are a couple of ways actually. You might try to do it through a technique called preimplantation genetic diagnosis, which is already used in IVF settings in fertility clinics today” (Anderson). Also, although science hasn't advanced this far yet, Liao is already considering giving humans cat eyes. Cats see much better than humans in the dark and we could use this advantage to help reduce global energy (Anderson). Liao says that with enough research, we could eventually learn which gene is responsible for that trait and activate it in humans. Obviously, interfering with human nature is a key factor why science has not already succeeded in testing these theorie...
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...scovered could also lead to reversing a heart attack. By cloning someone's healthy heart cells, scientists believe that they could cure the damaged parts of the victim's heart (Smith). In comparison to Frankenstein, these practices are changing the world as we know it. Victor's whole life was altered when he created new life and it is a shame that no one else discovered his scientific breakthrough. People on their deathbed could be given hope through these prosperous practices involving genetic engineering.
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During the process of research, professionals collect data or identifiable private information through intervention or interaction. While this is a vital part of the scientific and medical fields, every precaution must be taken by researchers to protect the participants' rights. Ethics, outlined by the Belmont report; requirements, described by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); and regulations, laid out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are verified by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This procedure assures that all human rights are safeguarded during the entire research process.
When the novel “Frankenstein”, by Mary Shelley came out in 1831 the general public was introduced to the idea of man creating another man, scientifically without the use of reproduction. The disasters that followed, in the novel, demonstrated the horrid fact that creating humans was not natural. That was in 1831, when the knowledge of science had not yet evolved enough to act on such an idea. Now as the start of a new millenium approaches, having the capability to scientifically produce one human who is genetically identical to another, or cloning a human, has a lot of people questioning weather or not it is our moral right to do such a thing. It is a classic debate between principles of science and principles of religion.
In the United States, the basis for ethical protection for human research subjects in clinical research trials are outlined by the Belmont Report developed in the late 1970’s. This document, published by the Nation Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, highlights three important basic principles that are to be considered when any clinical trial will involve human research subjects. They are; respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. (Chadwick & Gunn, 2004)
Denise Dudzinski, PhD, MTS, Helene Starks, PhD, MPH, Nicole White, MD, MA (2009) ETHICS IN MEDICINE. Retrieved from: http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/pad.html
In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley forewarns her audience about the consequences we face if we do not take responsibility for our actions through Victor Frankenstein’s actions. In the beginning of the novel, Victor desires fame from discovering new knowledge of the world, which leads him to create the creature whom he neglects. The neglect from its creator leads the creature to resent the Frankenstein family and ultimately murdering them. Due to his lack of responsibility as the creator of the creature, Victor is punished by having to watch his loved ones die off one by one. Reflecting on the consequences of Victor’s irresponsibility, human cloning brings concern because of the ethicality of the act.
Science is not inherently evil and never will become evil. Though the knowledge gained from science can be used toward producing evil, intended or not, and can be dangerous. The story of Victor Frankenstein shows the irresponsibility possible in the advancement of science and furthers the caution which humanity must take when it attempts to master its environment or itself. The proponents of cloning humans today should remind themselves of the lesson which Victor Frankenstein before they have to deal with the products of their research and learn the hard way.
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley tests the motives and ethical uncertainties of the science in her time period. This is a consideration that has become more and more pertinent to our time, when we see modern scientists are venturing into what were previously unimaginable territories of science and nature, through the use of things like human cloning and genetic engineering. Through careful assessment, we can see how the novel illustrates both the potential dangers of these scientific advancements and the conflict between that and creationism.
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Dr. Frankenstein did not use the process of cloning, but the idea of creating life in an artificial manner translates quite clearly. Cloning is considered an artificial method of reproduction. The intentions behind cloning are often very sincere and righteous, providing breakthroughs in pathology and disease research. The question of ethics arises with the question: Do the ends justify the means? Firstly, our current methods of cloning are inefficient, as “The success rate ranges from 0.1 percent to 3 percent” (Utah University). Often times, experiments of cloning are unsuccessful, leading to animals that are deformed or suffer from medical issues. This fact provides a parallel between Frankenstein and modern culture, leading to Frankenstein’s application as a modern myth. Interpreting the monster as a modern day, cloned, deformed creature provides an alternate perspective to the benefits of animal cloning. Based on the example of Frankenstein’s monster, the decision of whether or not to clone animals becomes quite cut and dry, that such scientific practices are inhumane and should not be practiced. Yet there are also some major benefits that have already arisen from cloning. Stem cells are somatic cells in a primitive state, where they can grow into many different types of cells. In an explanation for some of the benefits of cloning, the following example is given, “These cells [stem cells] could then
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A form of biotechnology is genetic engineering. This process consists of geneticists manipulating DNA to produce new organisms and this is usually done by putting in or taking away genes. This innovative technology has been developed with uses such as production of ‘designer babies’ and changing genes to ensure health. Even though this technology is possible and been trialled successfully, it is illegal and has not yet been implemented in our society because of its ethical implications. This process of genetically manipulating the DNA of a human embryo to create a ‘designer baby’ is morally questioned by many for issues such as denying life and challenging natural processes, but some find it as a lifesaving breakthrough in biotechnology . ‘Designer
20 Feb. 2014. Nardo, Don. A. Biomedical Ethics.
The article titled “Contemporary Ethical Analyses: A Shortfall in Scientific Knowledge” describes the ethics through the public’s eye. One of the major ethical issues brought up is informed consent.