The Morality of Genetic Engineering

i. Definition: 1) positive eugenic–enhancing a trait; 2) negative–restoring the trait to normalacy

ii. The Crisis according to H.J. Muller– "genetic apocalypse" —due to continuation of altering our genetic pool, we’ll evolve into a species not like us; hence need positive eugenic to prevent it

A. Carl Wellman , an utilitarian argument: it’s permissible because of it’s possible benefits

1. possible disvalues: a) abuses; b) risks; c) degrades humanity; d) devalues intercourse; e) strains families

2. possible values: a) prevent illnesses; b) halt deterioration of pool; c) can give power; d) improve health; e) increases scientific knowledge

3. "2" is more convincing and worth the risk of a slippery slope (it’s too expensive to be widely used) but need restrictions: a) only negative; b) only chosen by parents

B. Karl Rahner, "The Problem of Genetic Manipulation

1. it’s wrong because it rejects one’s existentiale–one’s uniqueness; 2. Also devalues natural procreation

C. Hans Jonas, "Ethics and Biogenetic Art"

1. too risky for the following reasons: a) experimenting on unborn is wrong; b) cannot scrap biological constructions; c) errors are irreversible; d) errors will spread; e) don’t know enough how the new genes will interact with others; f) too melioristic (Pandora’s Box)

D. Paul Ramsey, "Moral and Religious Implications of Genetic Control"

1. Muller justification of positive eugenics based upon the possibility of "genetic apocalypse" is wrong:

a) too pessimistic and anthropocentric; b) makes absolute a solution to a supposed problem; c) "culpable ignorance"

2. but negative, negative eugenics is permissible because of "immoral imprudence"

E. Neil Postman, "Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology

1. we trust machines more than patient’s to tell us about illness and diseases

2. the ideology of technology: a) use machines to subdue and redefine nature and humans; b) technology is not morally neutral; c) creates its own imperatives and supporting social systems; d) redefines role of medicine

F. Sansom, "The Moral Basis for Genetic Engineering"

1. negative eugenics is permissible in order to show a) beneficence, b) preservation of life, c human dignity

2. positive eugenics is impressible because it violates the individual’s dignity

Christian Virtues in Health Care

1. health care can enable one to show compassion who can reflects God’s compassion to others

a. parable of Good Samaritan–risky and courageous compassion to be a neighbor

b. the virtues of generosity and magnificence–those who have the means can meet the needs of those

who have the need but not the means; these virtues are born out of nobility

2. the belief in the Resurrection of the Dead relativizes death and that which causes it

a. bios is not one’s ultimate goal but a gift

b. virtues of wisdom and temperance enable one to balance the realities of life, death, and the resurrection

3. the belief that life is a divine gift and is good provides for a fundamental appreciation of life

a. the wonder of life is not diminished by illness or fear of death

b. the virtue of "Great soul"–one should live for and expect great things from life.