Genetic Engineering
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Gene therapy and research has blossomed throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s (Vickery 644). Specifically, Ann Vickery observes that the intense interest and activity in genetic engineering today stems from a discovery made during the early 1970s that certain classes of enzymes could precisely cut and splice DNA material into manageable fragments in ways never known before (Vickery 644). Thus, it became possible for scientists to study genes in the laboratory by cutting them apart and splicing them in different ways (Vickery 644). The ability to recombine DNA, however, is a very controversial subject for it involves the very basic building block of human life. The power to recombine this building block is, essentially, the power to alter the creation of life. Vickery notes that one obvious benefit of genetic engineering is the possibility of finding ways to correct and prevent congenital defects that cause diseases in humans such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, Downs Syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs Disease (Vickery 646). Undoubtedly, this would be a tremendous advance for humankind and would alleviate much human suffering. In addition, Vickery notes that gene research can have a global effect, particularly in terms of alleviating malnutrition and famine (646). By altering the gene structures of plant crops, scientists can make them more resistant to their environment and reduce the number of nutrients they require from the soil (V
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ering by arguing that we cannot draw a discernible line between merely making "inheritable repairs" of genetic defects and improving the species. And if we are improving the species, then we are practicing Eugenics. Furthermore, once scientists can repair genetic defects, there will not be much of an argument left against adding genes that confer desired qualities, like better health, looks or brains (Rifkin 666). Rifkin believes this will eventually lead to the alteration of thought processes. He contends that many sociobiologists already believe that virtually all human activity is in some way determined by our genetic makeup, and that if we wish to change this situation, we must change our genes (Rifkin 667).
Discussion
Stephen Jay Gould, on the other hand, opposes Rifkin's position. Rather, Gould cannot understand why Rifkin, or anyone else, would reject all the possibilities of genetic engineering merely because its power might, one day, permit a perverted application similar to Hitler in the time leading up to and during the Second World War (683). Gould argues that the domino theory does not apply to all human achievements. Rather, he asks, if we can confer disease or cold resistance upon an important crop plan
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Approximate Word count = 1564
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)
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