More Human Than Human
Daylan T Boutte
D. Compton
English 101-A51
Essay
15 February 2011
More Human than Human Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years. What was once considered science fiction is now yesterday’s headlines. In just a hundred and fifty years we have gone from the first combustion-powered motor vehicle to space exploration and now we are managing our lives from handheld mobile devices. So let’s face it, technology evolves at a faster rate than humans. In fact it moves at such a rapid pace that it may even surpass our moral compass in its application. In the essays, Cure or Quest for Perfection? by Goodman and Designer Genes by McKibben the authors present the possibility of genetic testing and cloning becoming a common place practice in life. In both writings the authors state the possible pros and cons of the science, while leaning towards the more detrimental effects of it. Can genetic testing and cloning bring a positive light to health sciences and therefore humanity or is it opening Pandora’s Box, ultimately leading to our destruction. In Cure or Quest for Perfection? Goodman brings her audience into the ongoing bioethical debate on human cloning. She states the benefits of therapeutic cloning for the treatment of diseases like cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, she condemns the practice of reproductive cloning for any reason. Stating, “There’s no compelling reason that justifies the risk or the results” (Goodman pg. 499). She also poses the question of the moral status of an embryo by weighing it against the suffering of an adult.
“Is an embryo an unborn child”, she asks (Goodman pg. 499); or just a cluster of cells. This question brings religion into the realm of science. Designer Genes written by Bill McKibben dives deeper into the bioethical debate by telling his audience his views of the possible outcomes of human gene manipulation, a process called Germline Genetic Engineering.
D. Compton
English 101-A51
Essay
15 February 2011
More Human than Human Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years. What was once considered science fiction is now yesterday’s headlines. In just a hundred and fifty years we have gone from the first combustion-powered motor vehicle to space exploration and now we are managing our lives from handheld mobile devices. So let’s face it, technology evolves at a faster rate than humans. In fact it moves at such a rapid pace that it may even surpass our moral compass in its application. In the essays, Cure or Quest for Perfection? by Goodman and Designer Genes by McKibben the authors present the possibility of genetic testing and cloning becoming a common place practice in life. In both writings the authors state the possible pros and cons of the science, while leaning towards the more detrimental effects of it. Can genetic testing and cloning bring a positive light to health sciences and therefore humanity or is it opening Pandora’s Box, ultimately leading to our destruction. In Cure or Quest for Perfection? Goodman brings her audience into the ongoing bioethical debate on human cloning. She states the benefits of therapeutic cloning for the treatment of diseases like cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, she condemns the practice of reproductive cloning for any reason. Stating, “There’s no compelling reason that justifies the risk or the results” (Goodman pg. 499). She also poses the question of the moral status of an embryo by weighing it against the suffering of an adult.
“Is an embryo an unborn child”, she asks (Goodman pg. 499); or just a cluster of cells. This question brings religion into the realm of science. Designer Genes written by Bill McKibben dives deeper into the bioethical debate by telling his audience his views of the possible outcomes of human gene manipulation, a process called Germline Genetic Engineering.
Cited: Goodman, Ellen. "Cure or Quest for Perfection?." Arlington Reader. Ed. Karen S. Henry. Boston: Bedford 's/St. Martin 's, 2008. Print. McKibben, Bill. "Designer Genes." Arlington Reader. Ed. Karen S. Henry. Boston: Bedford 's/St. Martin 's, 2008. Print.