dc.description.abstract | Ethical Reflection on Gene Editing Technology
Abstract:
As humanity continually pursues excellence, we have not only developed capabilities that other animals lack but also improved our environment and tools, enabling us to transcend a nomadic existence, cooperate and live together with others, and advance our thoughts and technologies. Now, we have arrived at a point where we can modify ourselves as the object of improvement. However, the process of "enhancing humans" is not without its challenges. Eugenics was humanity′s first attempt at large-scale genetic improvement, but it resulted in ethical tragedies such as forced sterilization, cruel segregation policies, and mass killings of specific ethnic groups. Most people would agree that eugenics was a dark and cruel chapter in history. Given this context, when humans once again attempt to improve their genetic makeup through "gene editing" technology, it is natural for many to feel fear and doubt. Such fears have even affected people′s attitudes towards "applying gene editing technology to animals and plants."
If the application of gene editing technology can save many lives, free people from hunger and disease, and improve their quality of life, what reason is there not to develop this highly promising technology? Is applying gene editing technology to enhance animals, plants, and even humans truly as dangerous and morally questionable as some fear? To address these questions, this paper will first review the history of eugenics and the ethical issues it raised. It will then explore the principles and risks of gene editing technology and examine arguments put forth by several prominent philosophers regarding gene editing and enhancement. The ultimate aim is to reveal, after careful consideration, how to approach gene editing, including the enhancement of humans, with the appropriate attitude while acknowledging ethical concerns.
Keywords: Applied Ethics, Gene Editing, Genes, Eugenics, CRISPR, Enhancement. | en_US |