“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” - Albert Einstein. Over the past few decades, technological advancements have paved the way to new scientific achievements, such as genetic engineering. This involves the manipulation and change of genetics in a living organism by changing its DNA (Morris 137). This new type of engineering has led to the modification of crops, finding cures for genetic diseases, and even the cloning of animals, which could eventually lead to humans. Although this seems like the answer to most of our problems, the topic of genetic modification has caused controversy in politics and religion, since altering DNA is “playing” with life. Changing the way something works to make it better
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Dolly the sheep was the first sheep, mammal to be cloned which was a high achievement during that time (12). According to Park, Wilmut got his inspiration from Sir John Gurdon who, years before, had managed to clone a frog, the first animal. Why did the cloning of a sheep spark such controversies in the scientific community and politics? Like all scientific accomplishment, this led to further discussion about human cloning, however many were unsupportive of this idea. In Ethics of Engineering, Morris explains both sides of the cloning argument. Cloning can offer a replacement of a loved one who passed away whether its a human or animal. Even though they aren’t an exact replica of this person or animal, people are comforted by their presence (76). However, this can be unhealthy since the people paying for this option are expecting the same person which can lead to disappointment. Not only this, paying to clone someone or something is very costly and can lead to a gap between the wealthy and the poor, leaving the poor at a disadvantage. The same is with parents choosing specific traits desired when expecting a child, this process can be identified as designer babies (67). As Morris goes into further depth, he explains the cons of this since it can, again cause differences between the wealthy and poor since the wealthy can have “the best quality clones as children” (69). The pros to designer babies is getting rid of that risk of genetic disorders. As well as giving the opportunity of same sex couples to have their own children with both of their genetics and also infertile couples (Frucht 88). Whether or not politicians or religion try putting a stop on human cloning, it is done by free will and choice of the people offering money to have it
Dolly the sheep was the first sheep, mammal to be cloned which was a high achievement during that time (12). According to Park, Wilmut got his inspiration from Sir John Gurdon who, years before, had managed to clone a frog, the first animal. Why did the cloning of a sheep spark such controversies in the scientific community and politics? Like all scientific accomplishment, this led to further discussion about human cloning, however many were unsupportive of this idea. In Ethics of Engineering, Morris explains both sides of the cloning argument. Cloning can offer a replacement of a loved one who passed away whether its a human or animal. Even though they aren’t an exact replica of this person or animal, people are comforted by their presence (76). However, this can be unhealthy since the people paying for this option are expecting the same person which can lead to disappointment. Not only this, paying to clone someone or something is very costly and can lead to a gap between the wealthy and the poor, leaving the poor at a disadvantage. The same is with parents choosing specific traits desired when expecting a child, this process can be identified as designer babies (67). As Morris goes into further depth, he explains the cons of this since it can, again cause differences between the wealthy and poor since the wealthy can have “the best quality clones as children” (69). The pros to designer babies is getting rid of that risk of genetic disorders. As well as giving the opportunity of same sex couples to have their own children with both of their genetics and also infertile couples (Frucht 88). Whether or not politicians or religion try putting a stop on human cloning, it is done by free will and choice of the people offering money to have it