Genetic Enhancement In Michael Sandel's The Case Against Perfection

The ethical justification of genetic enhancements is a hot topic in the field of biomedical philosophy. Cases involving the utilization of genetic enhancement have been argued to suggest unease amongst individuals who perceive natural abilities as a “gift.” Genetic enhancement is the insertion of genetic material intended to modify human traits. The modification of human traits poses a depreciation in the value of giftedness. One author, Micahel Sandel, supports the value of giftedness in his essay, The Case Against Perfection. Although several cases argue the accessibility of applying genetic enhancement, such as muscle enhancement, molding children, and eugenics, Sandel’s essay analyzes some objections addressing the validity of these arguments

One main theme of his essay is the nature versus molding of traits for genetic perfection. Sandel’s own objection in several arguments of genetic enhancement is the ethical responsibility to preserve the giftedness of humans. Sandel defines giftedness as a recognition of talents and powers that are unattainable through human intervention. Furthermore, perfection, according to Sandel, is achieved at the cost of an individual’s acquired experience of humility and responsibility. Concluding this essay, Sandel argues on the idea that "changing our nature to fit the world, rather than the other way around, is actually the deepest form of disempowerment (Sandel 7). Genetic enhancements are an abandonment of human giftedness and those who desire it are pursuing the disempowering concept of genetic

As put best, Sandel mentioned in his essay that genetic enhancement erodes human agency by overriding effort, the real problem is the explosion, not the erosion, of responsibility (Sandel 9). This objection implies that true human agency in accomplishment is the result of intensive effort in perfecting an art, or sport. Mastering an art through effort requires the constant learning and improving of mistakes, which in turn, teaches humility and appreciation. Furthermore, some might object that the giftedness of an individual at an art, or sport, is due to their genetic lottery, good fortune of genetic traits. Rather than effort from practice, innate expertise is programmed into them from birth. Eugenics serve as a bridge to allow those without the genetic lottery to have the innate expertise and strive for greatness through effort. My objection to eugenics for giftedness is that it creates an arms race of giftedness. If eugenics are permissible, then a standard will be established—assuming eugenics is a standard. In order to surpass this standard, for example in sports, an even more higher quality of eugenics is required to set apart the mediocre from the superior, which may leave those who cannot afford eugenic treatment far inferior from those conditioned to be “top tier”. Eugenics for giftedness should not be permissible as it will lessen the human agency in