The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Engineering

With the rapid pace of technological development taking place in today’s world, it is beginning to seem like humans, as a species, can achieve anything. A new technology has recently emerged that has given scientists the ability to quickly and precisely edit the genetic structure of any living organism. This method is known as CRISPR. Scientists have been using different methods of trying to artificially edit genes for almost half a century, however, these methods were always tenuous and could take years of research to change a single gene. With CRISPR a researcher with an intermediate level training could change an entire genetic structure within a few days. This will allow more rapid research in the field of genetics and medicine as more

It is the process of fixing dysfunctional genes in a living individual, but this is not the only form of genetic engineering. Recent discoveries have shown that this technology could also be used to edit the genetic structure of human embryos. This is known as germline engineering (Garreua, 116). This means that any individuals produced through such a process could then pass down the edited genes to future generations. This could have many priceless benefits as scientists could potentially ‘edit out’ the genes that cause hereditary diseases or birth defects. Researchers have already used this novel technique to reverse mutations in mice that cause blindness and also stopped cancer cells from multiplying (Kahn). However, the problem arises when individuals begin using this technology to ‘enhance’ the human species. This paper will argue that the widespread adoption of germline engineering technology could eventually lead to the resurgence of the discipline of eugenics along with the issues associated with

This notion was widely accepted at the time as fact, and is what led to the discipline to spiral out of control. People of the contemporary world are beginning to understand that those divides were superficial and that the differences between different races and ethnicities are insignificant. While scholars may believe in the altruism of people and the ability for democracy to achieve the greatest good, this isn’t always the case. Politicians have long used fear and identity differences to rally up support for their cause. It can even be seen in contemporary American politics: Donald Trump is using xenophobia, while Bernie Sanders is using the divide between the rich and the poor. One of the most essential values held by the democratic Western world and the vast majority of the world is the idea that all men are born equal. The use of this technology would make it so all men are fundamentally not born equal; some are enhanced, some are not. This is a very strong identity divide people could stand behind or use for their own set of political agendas. With this breakdown of democracy, these nations will also be vulnerable to the other problems listed