Genetic Enhancement Technology

"These are challenging thoughts that many may not be ready to tackle, but they are unavoidable, much like the inevitability of aging and death..."

"Power without Character is Evil. This idea prompts introspection about my own identity and actions. I already exercise power on a smaller scale when managing resources like life, time, money; water; food; opportunity; physical, mental or spiritual strength; sight; hearing; smell; toucH; taste; and so forth... but thinking about genetic enhancement technology (GET) raises questions about how I would responsibly wield such power over fundamental aspects of life, if I were to use it."

“The time has come for humans to shape our own destiny and to direct the course of evolution. Genetic enhancement technologies are seen as our most powerful tool for this purpose. In previous times, humans saw themselves as beings created in the image of a divine God, later as products of natural selection, and more recently as bundles of selfish genes shaped by selection. Now some see humans as self-transforming beings capable of, and intent on, refashioning ourselves in our own image of what we should be?” - A quote from the article titled "The Inevitability of Genetic Enhancement Technologies" by Françoise Baylis and Jason Scott Robert

Dear reader, 

We are at the edge of a significant moment in our evolution, and I want to bring your attention to it. I came across a fascinating article on Genetic Enhancement Technology recently, and I believe it's crucial for you to start contemplating it. Not to instill fear, but to prepare yourself for the intricate ethical challenges that you will inevitably have to confront in the near future. It will also provide you with an opportunity to contemplate your existence, the state of the world, and the existence of God. These are challenging thoughts that many may not be ready to tackle, but they are unavoidable, much like the inevitability of aging and death.

Let me give you a quick explanation of what Genetic enhancement technology is. 

Genetic enhancement technology (GET) involves using genetic engineering methods to modify the genetic makeup of organisms, including humans, to improve specific traits. This can be achieved through gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, or selective breeding. The ethical implications are significant, with concerns about unintended consequences, inequality, and the potential for creating a divided society based on genetic enhancements. Policies and regulations are being developed to address these concerns and ensure responsible use of genetic enhancement technologies.

Bringing our attention back to the article:

The article titled "The Inevitability of Genetic Enhancement Technologies" by Françoise Baylis and Jason Scott Robert explores ethical objections to genetic technologies aimed at enhancing human capacities and traits. It is argued that despite persuasive objections, the development and use of genetic enhancement technologies are inevitable due to a prevailing worldview that sees humans as masters of their evolutionary future.

The article suggests that recognizing this worldview can lead to new directions in ethical thinking about genetic enhancement technologies.

It outlines different perspectives on human enhancement, ranging from those who find it praiseworthy to improve the human condition to those who see it as deeply problematic to the human race. In this article, enhancements are categorize into physical, intellectual, psychological, and moral, highlighting concerns about the motivations behind seeking these alterations. The focus then shifts specifically to genetic enhancement technologies, defined as technologies that directly alter gene expression for the purpose of improving human traits.

The central point of the article is that attempts to develop and use genetic enhancement technologies are inevitable… It is going to happen even though not all envisioned enhancements may be successful. The complexity of organismal development is acknowledged but emphasizes that some individuals will inevitably try to engineer the human genome, and some may succeed.

There are many in favor of genetic enhancement technologies and moral arguments alone will not suffice to prevent attempts at genetic enhancement. So the best option we have is redirecting ethical efforts toward ensuring that the process of attempting genetic enhancement is morally acceptable and that successfully developed enhancements are used responsibly.

Some argue that human imperfections justify pursuing any means to augment human traits and capacities, others believe the very opposite.

The central argument in favor of genetic enhancement is reconstructed as follows:

(1) enhancing human capacities is a worthy ideal, supported by societal commitments to education, medicine, and welfare;

(2) genetic enhancement is just one end of a continuum of enhancement technologies;

(3) if the goal of genetic enhancement is the same as the laudable goal of generic enhancement, then the means do not matter morally;

(4) the goal of genetic enhancement is laudable, similar to generic enhancement; therefore,

(5) genetic enhancement technologies should be developed and supported.

The objections to genetic enhancement technologies are categorized into four themes:

(i) the technologies are intrinsically wrong; Concerns involve transgressions of divine and natural laws.

(ii) negative biological consequences are likely, whether the technologies are effective or not; raises worries about biological fallout, potential loss of genetic variability, and the eventual demise of the species due to unconstrained use.

(iii) widespread use may lead to harmful social consequences; focuses on threats to social institutions, misuse of resources, widening gaps between socioeconomic classes, and constraints on free choice.

(iv) the means of achieving laudable ends are not equally morally meritorious; broader concern that genetic technologies as a means may not be morally neutral in achieving widely deemed praiseworthy ends

Here are the acceptance in depth:

Perfectibility of Humanness: Supporters say imperfection isn't a must for being human. Even though we know humans aren't perfect, they argue that imperfection isn't something we're born with. Instead, they believe that being human is about always trying to get better and having a natural drive to reach perfection. That the essential characteristics of humanness are seen as perfectibility and the inherent drive to pursue perfection.

Biosocial Drive for Perfection: Some people think that what makes us human isn't just from nature but also from society and culture. They believe there's a strong drive in humans, coming from both biology and society, to strive for perfection. And they see genetic enhancement technologies as a tool to consciously and consciously perfect the human condition.

Biotechnological Destiny: This idea suggests that, because of our current scientific and technological progress, humans are at the doorstep of a new phase in their evolution. Genetic enhancement is seen as a way to fix problems and bring in a new era of human development that goes beyond the limits imposed by our imperfections.

 Human Purpose and Self-Actualization:  Drawing from Maslow's idea of needs, this argument says that humans have a purpose to achieve self-actualization and fulfill their potential. The ability to enhance oneself genetically is seen as an opportunity for individuals to achieve their highest aspirations and transcend the limits of their physical, intellectual, and emotional abilities. 

Control over Evolutionary Story: Supporters of genetic enhancement argue that humans, as aware beings, can and should shape their own evolutionary story. They see these technologies not as a threat but as a tool for individuals to actively take part in deciding their biological and evolutionary destiny.

In essence, the central argument in favor of genetic enhancement is that people have the power to decide their own future. It’s about human agency, self-determination, and the conscious pursuit of self-improvement and perfection through the use of advanced biotechnological tools.

Here are the Objections in depth:

Transgression of Divine Laws: Some argue that manipulating human genetics is akin to playing God, questioning humans' capacity to plan for the well-being of future generations.

Transgression of Natural Laws: Critics claim that genetic enhancement is unnatural and goes against the intrinsic value of the natural order, setting limits on human intervention.

Introduction of Unacceptable Risks: Concerns are raised about potential negative consequences and irreversible errors during the early research phases of genetic enhancement technologies.

Threat to Genetic Diversity: There are worries that these technologies may impact the genetic variability of the human gene pool, leading to unintended and harmful effects.

Threat to Common Genetic Heritage: The human genome is considered a common heritage, and genetic enhancements might jeopardize this unity and diversity among individuals.

Paradoxical Counter-Productivity: Unintended social consequences, such as population density and healthcare challenges, could result from widespread use of genetic enhancements.

Misuse of Social Resources: The allocation of significant resources for developing genetic technologies without addressing broader social and health objectives is criticized.

Widening Gap between Haves and Have-Nots: Access to genetic enhancements may initially be limited to the affluent, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and threatening the principle of equality of opportunity.

Promotion of Social Conformity: Genetic enhancements may reinforce inappropriate social roles, prejudices, and stereotypes, contributing to harmful norms of physical and intellectual normality.

Undermining Free Choice: The availability and widespread use of genetic enhancements may limit individual freedom by creating societal expectations to conform to certain genetic standards.

Means Matter Morally: The article suggests that the means used for genetic enhancement should be considered in their own right, as they may have intrinsic value and different moral implications.

Natural Human Competitiveness 

It is also important to note that people believe that genetic enhancement technologies are bound to happen because humans are naturally competitive. They always seek opportunities to improve themselves, socially and economically. Competition is seen as a good thing because it drives people to succeed and get better. Throughout history, humans have shown that they are willing to use any available means to be successful.

According to this perspective, genetic enhancement technologies will likely be used to gain a competitive edge. However, there's a recognition that this use might be unfair if only a small group of people has access to these enhancements. It could also backfire if everyone has access, and no one gains a relative advantage.

But there's a different view. Some argue that this way of thinking is too narrow. Winning isn't the only thing that matters; how you achieve success is important too. For example, in sports, it's not just about winning, but also about playing the game fairly. This is why there are rules against using performance-enhancing drugs in competitions like the Olympics. From this perspective, achieving success through genetic enhancement might not be seen as worthwhile because of ethical concerns.

Simply put, people think that genetic enhancement technologies are bound to happen because of a mix of reasons. These include the impact of capitalism and a global economy driven by markets, a widespread belief in individual freedom and choice, our constant curiosity and thirst for knowledge, the human tendency to compete for advantages, and a view of humans as beings who can change and shape their own evolution. The idea is that trying to control or stop these technologies might not work, so instead, we should focus on carefully studying and discussing the right limits and ethical aspects of using genetic enhancement technologies.

Questions for you the reader:

What do you think?

Are humans becoming too proud and using their power excessively?

Do you believe humans are going too far?

Would you consider using genetic enhancement technologies?

Do you think you might be among the few who have access to them?

Where do you believe they stand in terms of recognizing, denying, or being thankful for God and the creation they live in?

What are your thoughts on how God views genetic enhancement technologies?

How do you think God will handle global affairs when the time comes for Him to take control?

...

Do you believe you possess the character to manage this?...

Do you feel confident in the state of your Character to handle this, or perhaps, to make the decision not to handle it at all?