But, Sandel argues that parts of this technology should also be restricted due to our infatuation, as humans, with perfection. He argues that “genetic enhancement employs medical means for nonmedical ends” as exemplified by the growing presence of cosmetic surgery. While this increase may be true, frankly I see little cause for alarm when contemplating this issue. If an individual can be happier and more satisfied with their life if they pull their skin to rid of wrinkles or add silicone implants to enlarge their breasts then, what real threat to humanity does this technology and pursuit for perfection really present. How does the augmentation of a totally unrelated individual’s body, negatively impact you and your life and happiness? While genetic engineering does go deeper than these skin level revisions, the same principle applies. If someone chooses to improve their memory or increase their dopamine levels so that they are constantly happier then, there is little to no direct negative impact on another individual. These genetic modifications and alterations may present a slight advantage when it comes to physical characteristics, making a person taller so they are better at basketball or making a person stronger so they can throw the football that much further, but these advantages already exist in our society. Today, some people are naturally gifted with great height or enormous power while others possess photographic memory. This “inequality” that Sandel argues will result from genetic engineering already exist naturally today so, the argument to restrict genetic engineering because of the inequality that would result has little merit. It would be ethically wrong to deprive a human being of being able to better themselves
But, Sandel argues that parts of this technology should also be restricted due to our infatuation, as humans, with perfection. He argues that “genetic enhancement employs medical means for nonmedical ends” as exemplified by the growing presence of cosmetic surgery. While this increase may be true, frankly I see little cause for alarm when contemplating this issue. If an individual can be happier and more satisfied with their life if they pull their skin to rid of wrinkles or add silicone implants to enlarge their breasts then, what real threat to humanity does this technology and pursuit for perfection really present. How does the augmentation of a totally unrelated individual’s body, negatively impact you and your life and happiness? While genetic engineering does go deeper than these skin level revisions, the same principle applies. If someone chooses to improve their memory or increase their dopamine levels so that they are constantly happier then, there is little to no direct negative impact on another individual. These genetic modifications and alterations may present a slight advantage when it comes to physical characteristics, making a person taller so they are better at basketball or making a person stronger so they can throw the football that much further, but these advantages already exist in our society. Today, some people are naturally gifted with great height or enormous power while others possess photographic memory. This “inequality” that Sandel argues will result from genetic engineering already exist naturally today so, the argument to restrict genetic engineering because of the inequality that would result has little merit. It would be ethically wrong to deprive a human being of being able to better themselves