Genetic Engineering Argumentative Essay

There’s no question that, as humans, society has been advancing at a rapid rate over the past few decades. The biggest advances, however, have come medically and technologically which, in today’s climate, often go hand in hand. One of the most powerful and potentially dangerous advances in recent memory has been advent of genetic engineering. Many of the advances that have made genetic engineering possible, while they may save many lives, have a higher moral cost than society may recognize. Where does man draw the line when it comes to ‘playing doctor’ or ‘playing God’?
Historically, human beings have descended from a single gene pool, with natural selection being the only method for eradicating undesirable gene variations. What happens when scientists are able to enhance desirable genes and eradicate undesirable genes within the genetic code? By using genetic engineering, this is exactly what scientists want to find out. Because of this, Genetic engineering and evolution are said to be combative forces when the topic of a new, changing society boils up to the surface of discussion. Some people say that new advances in technology and medicine are a part of society’s natural progression. On the opposing side to …show more content…
They believe that by using this process, geneticists will be able to eradicate undesirable traits, such as childhood diseases and promote desirable traits such as longevity. In Rinkesh Kurkreja’s article “Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering,” he has English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking’s famous quote, “With genetic engineering, we will be able to increase the complexity of our DNA, and improve the human race. But it will be a slow process, because one will have to wait about 18 years to see the effect of changes to the genetic code.” This quote is an excellent generalization of how scientists tend to see the future and possibility of genetic