| 摘要: | 基因編輯技術的倫理反思
中文摘要
人類在不斷地追求卓越的過程中，不只發展出了許多其他動物所沒有的能力，也持續改進周遭的環境和工具，使我們不必再逐水草而居，且能與其他人一同合作、生活，並得以發展出更細緻的思想與技術。現在，我們終於來到將人類自己作為改良對象的這一步。然而「改良人類」的過程卻不是那麼的順利。優生學便是人類第一次為大規模改良自己的遺傳型態所做的嘗試；但諸如強制性的結紮、殘忍的隔離政策，及對特定種族的大規模屠殺等…人倫悲劇，相信多數人應該都會同意，優生學是黑暗且殘忍的。在這樣的情況下，當人類又要再次為改良自己的遺傳型態做出嘗試，即：將「基因編輯」的技術應用到人類身上時，想當然爾會造成許多人的恐懼及質疑。這樣的恐懼，甚至也影響到人們對於「將基因編輯技術應用於動植物身上」的態度。
倘若基因編輯技的應用能拯救許多人的生命，讓人們免受飢餓與疾病的困擾，並能享受更高的生活品質，那麼究竟有什麼理由不去發展這項極具潛力的技術呢？將基因編輯的技術，應用到強化動植物，甚至是人類的身上，真的是如此危險且有道德疑慮的嗎？為了回應上述問題，本論文將首先回顧優生學的歷史與可能涉及的道德問題，整理基因編輯這項技術的原理及風險，並檢視幾位知名哲學家所提出的，關於基因編輯及強化的論證， 期望能在思索過程的最後，向人們揭示如何在不忽略倫理問題的情況下，以適切的態度面對基因編輯，乃至強化人類之議題。
關鍵字：應用倫理學、基因編輯、基因、優生學、CRISPR、強化
;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. |
