Do the benefits of human genetic engineering outweigh the costs?
Sure, it has risks but...
Genetic engineering can cure some diseases. Using genetic engineering you can choose your child’s characteristics. Also, detecting people that are genetically prone to certain hereditary diseases could prevent Disease. As well as preventing disease, with genetic engineering implanting genes can treat diseases. Genetic Engineering could also make you live longer. Also genes that do not work can be replaced by genetic engineering.
Posted by: AnonymousA Matter of Human Rights
People have the right to be healthy and free of disease as much as possible. Genetic engineering may cure many diseases, including horrific ones such as Tay-Sach's. It would be immoral to prevent these new technologies from coming into use, because it would prevent people from being relieved of considerable suffering.
Posted by: AnonymousAs one man's morality differs from another, his morality should not stand in the way of curing diseases and saving lives.
What one man believes is morally correct, another man may not, which means there is no moral standard to which science should be held, especially when lives are at stake.
Even with the potential for insurance companies to use genetics as a bias for denying coverage, the ability for diseases to be caught early on, or even cured in the future, trumps that fear.
Food, on the other hand, should not be genetically modified. When even countries such as Ethiopia will turn down donated food because of GMOs, one should realize the seriousness of putting something "created" by man into his mouth--down the road, who knows what biological problems that foodstuff could cause.Posted by: MaxweEIiteWithout question, and should be done ASAP.
After reading through the no answers, it is clear how many people saying know have a belief bias and/or are poorly educated in brain functionality, genetics, and other areas.
For humans this can't happen soon enough. People fear change, so there is no wonder as to why people are afraid of the concept, and even creating theories of the end of days like we continually hear about everything these days.
The benefit is too great for man kind. We need better solutions for medicine, government, education, finally solve the problem we have with religions, and so on. We are already see a gap widening between the intelligent and the less than. We are having growing conflicts because of it within the US. People are wanting to say it is just difference in opinion, but it clearly isn't when you see the contents of the debate material and how they match up with reality.Posted by: AnonymousPros outweigh Cons
It's dangerous, but animal testing should be done and observed for a time. If scientist can get it to work so many diseases could be prevented!! It's something that should be throughly tested and observed before done on humans, but it's a great advancement for science and could cure so many diseases! Plus if you believe in evolution this is technically another step in the right direction. If you believe in God then thank him for the tools he's given us to do this! The cons are scary, but it's worth the risk for now.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's Speeding Up Evolution
Manipulating genes to produce desired traits is a quick way to evolve. Say it would take 5 generations for your family to be taller, if you give this trait to your son/daughter through genetic engineering, you could remove the middle man -so to speak- and provide a beneficial trait to your direct offspring.
Posted by: AnonymousIn the long run, human genetic engineering will make things better for everyone.
Costs in the beginning may be high but prices of any technology will always fall. Initially only the rich and elite will be able to afford any product. Just because the rich had an advantage because they could afford something earlier should not hinder technological development. A good example of this could be that originally computers could only be afforded by the elite. Now every one in a house hold has their own laptop to use when they want to. Same thing will be the case with genetic engineering and improve overall life quality.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree that it is a great technology that promises to cater the food needs of the world.
It has many advantages like for some crops, it is not cost-effective to remove weeds by physical means such as tilling, so farmers will often spray large quantities of different herbicides (weed-killer) to destroy weeds, a time-consuming and expensive process that requires care so that the herbicide doesn't harm the crop plant or the environment. Crop plants genetically-engineered to be resistant to one very powerful herbicide could help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amount of herbicides needed. For example, Monsanto has created a strain of soybeans genetically modified to be not affected by their herbicide product Roundup. A farmer grows these soybeans which then only require one application of weed-killer, instead of multiple applications, reducing production cost and limiting the dangers of agricultural waste run-off7.
Posted by: C0nHeartI agree that human genetic engineering outweighs the cost due to the improved lives that future generations will have.
Future generations will enjoy a healthier life due to human genetic engineering. Scientists are genetically mapping the human body to allow other scientists and doctors to rework humans in such a way that we will we sick less often and be born with less disease and disabilities. These improvements will allow us to spend less time dealing with health matters and more time studying, working or playing.
Posted by: M4rcGoobIeWe aren't making people perfect
Genetic engineering's goal isn't to make people "perfect" per say, but more so to enhance our abilities to survive. It wouldn't make people "less unique", it would simply make us a stronger race. We don't know its effects on humans, that is true, but that is precisely the reason we need to try. By advancing our evolution, we are advancing the human race as a whole. It's not like anyone will be forced to partake in it. Personality traits won't change in their uniqueness, so don't worry about everyone being "the same". This is the 21st century, embrace technology.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, genetic engineering has, and will save many lives.
There was an experiment done in which scientists regrew human lungs, as well as a human heart. This is just one example of how genetic engineering is used, that could potentially be very beneficial.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is very hard to answer if the ends justify the means without all the information. It should be made on a per case basis. But generally, I feel the benefits may outweigh the costs.
If somebody with a disease wants to undergo a procedure that may cure him, and it involves some weird science that is as yet untested, so be it. If he can afford to pay the doctors and scientists to do it. But we should all have a choice. I might choose not to undergo such weird science, but that does not mean we can stop others from its pursuit.
Posted by: JeffP4ri5I think the benefits of genetic engineering outweigh the costs because of all the disease that could be eliminated.
I think genetic engineering is important because many diseases like cancer, alzheimers, diabetes and countless others have been know to have genetic links. Just imagine all the people that could be helped with is. I think the benefits far outweigh the costs when considering some diseases like breast cancer and autism could eventually be eliminated completely.
Posted by: WakeboardFraGenetic engineering has its risks, but the benefits to society, including the eradication of many diseases, are many.
Genetic engineering can benefit society in many ways. Most prominent of all is the early detection and curing of gene-related diseases. Naysayers may argue that genetic engineering could lead to unintended consequences, or even those intended to do harm, but the benefits of genetic engineering far outweigh the risks trumpeted by opponents.
Posted by: BrownDustin82Yes, they outweigh the costs, because America needs to continue to be the leader in biotechnology innovation, and scrapping genetic research will put other countries at a competitive advantage.
I am not for a world that is genetically engineered, as I do see many ethical dilemmas revolving around the field. However, even one major breakthrough can alter the world forever. Even though the vast majority of the research may be fruitless, or too unethical to be applied in common practice, even one epidemic cure, or disease extermination, would be worth ten years of research funding. If we don't do it, other countries will, and with it comes the spoils of being the world's leader in science.
Posted by: EBakerAll being are the same
Genetic engineering in humans would be for the greater cause. There are some thing you have to test on humans, and a clone is the same thing as the first. And nothing has changed over the years that humans have been on earth. Forcing animals to breed to become a better bread. Besides no one is immortal, and we could move our memories to a body that would acept them and experince new things threw a new body.
Posted by: AnonymousWith any advance in science or medicine, there will always be a cost.
Genetic engineering could possible eliminate diseases, deformities, prolong life, and maybe even make the human race happier, less violent, and without bad habits. With any advance in science and medicine, there will have to be experimentation, sacrifice and some suffering. But, if it is for the good of all, it is worth it in the end.
Posted by: CeIIoBurke
A dream of a world of perfection
A dream of a world of perfection, yes indeed, it is a dream, but the reality of it is far from that, the odds of genetic engineering making the human race a race of perfection is slim, 50/50 at best, God made all in creation, plant, animal, and human life, God also created bacteria and disease, to restore the balance, if there are no diseases there is no balance, the human race has gradually over crowded the earth for centuries, over population is becoming a real problem, ladies and gentlemen the it is in our nature to either get sick and die, or die of old age, perfection is in the soul, not the body
Posted by: AnonymousGod made us unique
God made us the way we are... I'm can't agree with genetically engineering our children. It just isn't the way we were made! and what if something goes wrong and we kill a whole generation! It just is not right and just. Maybe you made your child have blue eyes and blonde hair and your child doesn't like blue eyes and blonde hair. There some many things that could go wrong.
Posted by: AnonymousHuman genetic engineering is just plain wrong, regardless of the benefits.
Human genetic engineering is very wrong, regardless of any benefits that may be derived. The costs of utilizing this technology is way too high. We are messing with our creation, with our bodies, and with our futures. Altering human beings is altering our existence, and we just have no clue where this dangerous road ultimately leads.
Posted by: SAugustusNot yet. We aren't ready.
While I think that genetic modification could give us many benefits (curing disease, extending life, etc) the human population is still growing. The world is overcrowded as is, and death by disease and old age are some of the few things keeping that in check. We shouldn't make ourselves more likely to live until we have the space and resources for the increased population. Humanity can live without genetic modification, but it can't live without sufficient resources, resources that would be used up by an increased population.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat could happen?
What if Kim Jong-un gets his hands on this sometime in the future and still has cold relations to the US. Then creates a “superhuman” with two of all vital organs except the brain and very thick skin so he can take many bullets and not die? What does the USA do? What does the UN do? It would be wrong to follow his practices so we have no choice but to do nothing. These are some of but a flotilla of questions and concerns.
Posted by: AnonymousWhile there are many benefits to be gained from human genetic engineering, all the current and possible technologies would incur social, ethical, legal and medical implications that outweigh the benefits.
While human genetic engineering has the potential to save lives, the process of doing so may cause other "lives" to be lost, in terms of therapeutic cloning and animal testing. Currently, research into genetic engineering has already been limited by social, ethical and legal concerns, showing that a line has already been drawn (albeit vague) as to what is acceptable in scientists' quest for knowledge.
However, as yet, the full benefits of human genetic engineering have not been explored as research is still being undertaken. Benefits and costs are both values that are attached, and can hence change with societal norms and tolerances, and different circumstances (for example killing in times of peace as opposed to war).
I think, therefore, that in addressing the statement, one must first define what "human genetic engineering" is. If the term referred to the entirety of processes, including reproductive cloning, then yes, the cost would outweigh the benefit, as it infringes into certain communities moral beliefs, and in general, social acceptability. Yet, with such a range of meanings, to simply think of the whole thing as bad, and ban it would be presumptuous and fatuous.Posted by: EIvChiIIedWe aren't supposed to be perfect
God didn't make us all perfect. He did it for a reason. By genetically engineering out kids we are saying they way the were supposed to look and be born isn't good enough so we have to engineer there genes and make them perfect. No, image isn't everything and if people can't realize that then there is something wrong with them. We are all meant to be different and God had a plan for each one if us.
Posted by: AnonymousGenetic engineering is potentially an extinction level event; it goes against the natural of evolution and natural selection.
Evolution and natural selection are the universes ways of producing genetic engineering. They have been the natural laws of the universe since the beginning of life. Humans have already all but removed natural selection from our natural evolution and are just starting to see the repercussions. Millions of children and adults are allowed to survive after making bad, life-threatening decisions. If we go a step further and incorporate synthetic genetic engineering, it's my belief that the universe and its balancing nature of things will toss us curve ball that could potentially render Homo sapiens extinct.
Posted by: BrianDjOur morality is what separates us from animals - genetic engineering will narrow that line.
Humans have been trying to play God since their existence began and, sure, we have come to know easier, more civilized lives, yet it is ultimately the quality of that life that matters in the end. Global warming, pollution, and eventually the devastation of this planet are what we are experiencing from this "playing God", yet people are in the same boat they were at the beginning.
Genetic engineering will only add to our destruction.Posted by: laceydoesitPerfect humans...corrupt world?
The possibility of genetically modifying humans is a great step towards curing the human race from disease. However, the agency of future generation of kids will be taken away. Parents shouldn't be allowed to pick and choose what and how their children act. One day those children will be parents and adults and their parents won't have control over them. Life is about the experience you gain on earth not what your parents think it should be like. Everyone will expect the perfect humans to take over and then what would happen to America? Land of the free? Or enslaved to scientifically made humans? The power the government would get is the biggest reason why humans should not be able to genetically modify humans. The basic foundation of America will be torn to shreds. Unalienable rights would be taken away. The rights of the gentically mofified humans will be taken awsy or they will enslave the natural man to them. No one can be prfect and if they choose to want to be perfect then they should fix their attitude problems and strive to become their perfect self.
Posted by: AnonymousEugenics and Weaponisation
Of all the potential negatives that could arise from human genetic engineering (such as breach of ethics and morals, goes against religion, loss of individuality, increase in inequality, possible defects, extra mutation), I believe the two most significant factors to me personally is the theory of eugenics and the possible weaponisation of this kind of technology.
Eugenics is the philosophy that advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through the promotion of higher reproduction of more desired people and traits, and reduced reproduction of less desired people and traits. Basically, this means that eugenics is the practice of weeding out the weak or undesired. As history has shown us, eugenics may lead to social mayhem, with the likes of Adolf Hitler, who was a strong eugenics advocate. Hitler wanted to get rid of all the weaker races and promote reproduction in his "superior" German people which led to the genocide of millions of Jews as well as other races that he believed to be inferior. History has shown us what we humans are capable of. Back then, there were no genetic engineering available so Hitler had to resort to just killing the weak and sparing the strong. However, with the introduction of genetic engineering, the weak can be detected when still in embryo form and can be aborted which I believe is very unethical.
Weaponisation of this technology can lead to disastrous results for society, and can come in two forms from my point of view. The first, is that the government will use this new technology to breed an army of super soldiers, human beings that are created not to feel or think like normal people, but just to follow orders and kill. The other form of weaponisation comes in the form of genomic warfare. With human genetic engineering, we will be able to isolate and select specific genomes in an individuals genetic makeup. With this ability, extremists may then be able to create a new biovirus weapon which will target this specific genome, allowing them to release these viruses which could kill a specific person in a crowd of many, or even target an entire race with their unique genome.Posted by: AnonymousBan all research and funding!
Human genetic engineering is inhumane and is conflicting with natural selection and evolution. The weakest are meant to die off, but when you you create humans that are immune to diseases, we begin to over populate. Although some would argue that this would be perfect because their child would be born free from preventable diseases, we have no way of protecting our children from future diseases and illnesses, only the current ones. Human genetic engineering is going to cause our country a much greater problem socially and culturally than I believe we are all ready for. The benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages.
Posted by: ktmoore7Overtime there are issues with genetic engineering.
People overtime will eventually want too much power. There is always that one bad person who wants to take over who would eventually gain control and ruin the good. The result is possibly destroying humans, animals, and nature. Genetic engineering being accessible to everyone is too dangerous, and it's definitely too dangerous when only controlled by the government.
Posted by: AnonymousOn an individual basis the benefits can be immense, but the possibilities for abuse are too great and outweigh the benefits.
From a strictly scientific point of view, it is unwise to tinker with the genetics of any organism, especially humans. Every being on the planet has reached this point in time because the genes they have were selected for, that is why they are present. Mankind does not know enough scientifically to start altering the genetic makeup of organisms, they don't know the long term effects, meaning the effects over many generations to follow. Just because we know how to manipulate genes doesn't mean that we know the future outcomes of what we are doing.
Posted by: 54IInfernoDisagree with genetic engineering
Our society would only use it to get ahead of others, and our society is based on hard work and the people who work the hardest usually win or turn out to be successful at what they do. By allowing genetic enhancements, it's like taking everyone who is normal and throwing their hard work away.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat is wrong with you "yes" people?
Okay, so the arguments for this evil experimentation is that it helps humans? May I ask how? Creating tissues for children that need implants or making a better human race...? Wrong. It takes a psycho to think it is rational and ethical to allow humans to be born into this world as experiments. Rather it be to save a kid that needs a donor, why is it fair for the other child to have to be raised as a crop. It is not it is complete bullcrap that society would even consider this as okay, and honestly a loss in my faith in the human race. Also has anyone ever seen Gattaca or Splice? Who knows what crazy side effects out experimentation will have on our race. All subjects that have ever been created in a lab have responded differently when put into a real life situation! So the answer to this questions is no! NO NO.
Posted by: Anonymous