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Melisa McCoy

Is Genetic Enhancement an Unacceptable use of Technology?

1. A summary of the yes and no contrasting points of view.

Michael J. Sandel believes that Genetic Enhancement is an inappropriate use of
technology. In his article The case against perfection, Sandel voices his concern of the
promises and predicaments that may arise due to genetic enhancement. Such as the
promise of curing debilitating muscle loss and the ability to stop Alzheimers before it
even starts. But with these promises comes the predicament of inappropriate use of the
genetic enhancements. Sandel quotes These enhancements would have a remedial
aspect, it could also have purely nonmedical uses(1). He also makes the stance that
Some who worry about the ethics of enhancement point to the danger of creating two
classes of human being: those with access to enhancements technologies, and those
who must make do with their natural capacities. And if the enhancements could be
passed down the generations, the two classes might eventually become subspecies(1).
Michael J. Sandel points out that there could be very good use for Genetic Enhancement,
but makes it clear he has many concerns with the use of it as well. He is hesitant
towards Genetic Enhancements due to these concerns.
Physician Howard Tractman however, is all for Genetic Enhancements. He address
concerns such as Michael J. Sandels, and points out that Despite rapid approval and
grand hopes, no enhancement or treatment has ever turned out to be all it was cracked
up to be. Outcomes in real patients hardly ever live up to the exaggerated claims of the
advanced sales pitch(2). He also points out that we all have used some sort of
enhancement at some point in our lives. He ends his article with saying I endorse
Kamms proposal to promote education about appropriate utilization of advances in

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genetics and medical science, insure equitable use of these resources, and maintain
surveillance for unanticipated and undesirable consequences(2). Physician Howard
Tractman makes some powerful points in his reasoning of why Genetic Enhancement is
an acceptable use of Technology.
2. Formulate, ask, and answer a scientific question.
How much observation has already gone into Genetic Enhancements, and what are the
future plans for further observations?
According to the gmeducation.org, Genetic Enhancement has been tested and observed,
researched, and tested for many years on plants and animals dating back to prehistoric
times. Plants and animals have been improved by selective breeding for hundreds of
years. (3). Since then, the Genetic Enhancements have only gone forward with their
testing and observations. The first genetically modified DNA organism was created in
1974 by Stanley Cohen, Annie Chang and Herbert Boyer. In 1980 the first genetically
modified mouse was created. (3) These are just a few examples of the Genetic
Enhancements that have been discovered thus far. Much observation and research has
gone into genetic enhancements and the future holds unlimited amounts of research,
study, and observations in genetic enhancements. There are currently many studies
taking place, and many more to come. We live in a time where the possibilities are
endless.
3. What societal implications might there be if your position was to be followed
completely?
If my position was to be followed completely, I foresee a wide variety of amazing, and
detrimental outcomes. I agree with Michael J. Sandels opinion that genetic
enhancement could be used for inappropriate advances such as athletic enhancements,
and only the rich getting to have access to the enhancements, but also see the most

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likely reality of Physician Howard Trachtman, and his theory of Genetic Enhancements.
Most likely, the use of Genetic Enhancements arent going to turn into a Sci-Fi thriller,
but be more likely subtle changes to a persons genetic makeup would be the outcome
from use of Genetic Enhancements.

References
(3) http://www.gmeducation.org/faqs/p14924820brief%20history%20of%20genetic%20modification.html