#598 - Dr Jonathan Anomaly - The Wild Ethics Of Human Genetic Enhancement
Mar 6, 2023
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Dr. Jonathan Anomaly, a philosopher from Duke University specializing in the ethical implications of biotechnology, dives deep into the ethics of genetic enhancement. He discusses the current capabilities of embryo selection and the moral dilemmas surrounding choosing traits like intelligence and athleticism. Anomaly raises questions about the societal consequences of genetic inequalities and the responsibilities of parents in this new landscape. The conversation ultimately probes whether opting out of genetic enhancement could be considered unethical in our rapidly evolving world.
Embryo selection is becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing parents to choose traits such as height, intelligence, and disease risk.
Debates about the morality of genetic enhancement, social inequality, and unintended consequences persist.
Advancements in genetic technology raise ethical considerations and questions about human worth and societal implications.
Beliefs about genetics and genetic enhancement may face challenges as technology becomes more prevalent.
Deep dives
Embryo selection and the ethics of genetic enhancement
Embryo selection is becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing parents to select for various traits in their children such as height, intelligence, and disease risk. This raises complex ethical questions surrounding the topic of genetic enhancement. While some may argue that it is immoral not to use these technologies to give your child the best possible genetic advantages, others may have concerns about the potential for creating social inequality and the implications of modifying genetics. There is ongoing debate about the similarities between genetic interventions and environmental interventions, with arguments being made that they can have similar consequences for the well-being of the child. However, critics highlight the potential dangers of genetic interventions, such as unintended mutations and the need for further scientific understanding. It is clear that advancements in technology and increasing knowledge of genetics will continue to shape the controversy surrounding these topics, and societal views and norms will play a significant role in how they are received.
The history of eugenics and the implications of genetic selection
The concept of eugenics, influenced by the study of heredity and evolution, has a complex and controversial history. While eugenics can be broadly defined as any attempt to influence the traits of offspring through knowledge of heritability, it is important to distinguish between voluntary selections aimed at improving the welfare of an individual's own child and coercive practices that seek to improve the population as a whole. The rise of technologies like in vitro fertilization, genome-wide association studies, and polygenic risk scores have opened up new possibilities for selecting embryos based on various traits, including cognitive ability and physical health. However, debates about the morality of genetic enhancement and the potential consequences of these interventions persist. It is important to consider the social and cultural implications of these advancements and the responsibilities of scientists and parents in using this technology.
The controversies surrounding genetic interventions
Discussions about genetic interventions elicit a range of reactions and concerns. Some argue that it is immoral not to use these technologies to enhance the genetic traits of their children, while others raise concerns about creating social inequality or the potential dangers of modifying genetics. Critics argue that the use of genetic interventions could lead to unintended mutations and raise questions about the wisdom of making permanent changes to the human genome. Additionally, there are debates about the similarities and differences between genetic interventions and environmental interventions, as both can have consequences for the well-being of the child. As technology and understanding continue to advance in the field of genetics, these debates and controversies are likely to persist and shape our views on these topics.
The future of genetic enhancement and its implications
Advancements in genetic technology, such as in vitro gametogenesis and CRISPR gene editing, offer possibilities for further genetic enhancement. Selecting embryos based on various traits and editing genes to reduce disease risk or enhance cognitive ability are becoming increasingly feasible. However, these developments raise important ethical considerations. Critics argue that emphasizing genetic traits can lead to a devaluation of the intrinsic worth of individuals and may have unintended consequences for human evolution and diversity. Additionally, the widespread use of genetic enhancement could have significant societal and cultural implications. It is essential to have open and thoughtful discussions about the potential benefits and risks of these technologies and to consider the values and norms that will shape their use.
Genetic enhancement and the future of human traits
The podcast episode explores the potential implications and concerns surrounding genetic enhancement. The speaker discusses the idea that as technology develops, people will have the ability to enhance certain traits in future generations. One key point mentioned is that people's actions often reveal their true preferences, even if they say otherwise. The speaker highlights the importance of intelligence and other desirable traits, such as kindness and athleticism, and how individuals already make choices based on these traits in the IVF and sperm donation markets. There is a discussion about the potential risks and downsides of genetic enhancement, such as the fear of creating populations of psychopaths or extreme genetic disparities. The speaker also reflects on theories and debates about the limits of increasing IQ and the impact of different personality traits. Overall, the podcast delves into the ethical and societal implications of genetic enhancement and how it may shape the future of humanity.
Inequality, societal impact, and potential future species divergence
The podcast episode raises concerns about the potential impact of genetic enhancement on societal inequality. It is suggested that the technology could lead to a greater division between the 'haves' and 'have nots' if only the wealthy have access to the technology and its benefits. The speaker acknowledges the potential for genetic divergence and the creation of different species if certain traits become more pronounced and individuals selectively enhance their children's genes. Additionally, the discussion touches on the ethical considerations of choosing traits for one's children and the potential dangers of creating a society focused solely on genetic perfection. The podcast also explores the need for cultural change and a reevaluation of societal values, including the importance of family, fertility, and meaningful lives beyond material wealth.
Challenges to beliefs and the future of genetic technology
The podcast episode highlights the challenges that people's beliefs about genetics and genetic enhancement may face as the technology becomes more prevalent. It is noted that many elites and certain academic circles hold beliefs about heritability and traits that are not in line with the scientific consensus. However, it is predicted that as the technology advances and becomes more accessible, there will be an increasing pressure for individuals to align their beliefs with the reality of genetic traits and heritability. The potential for a shift in public opinion and a cascade effect towards greater acceptance of genetic enhancement and selection is suggested. It is also noted that there are ethical concerns on both sides of the debate regarding shaping the traits of future generations and the responsibility of parents in making these choices.
The implications of genetic enhancement on fertility and cultural change
The podcast episode explores the implications of genetic enhancement on fertility rates, demographic trends, and cultural change. It is noted that intelligence, a trait often desired in genetic enhancement, is negatively correlated with birth rates. The potential for a decline in fertility rates, especially in Western societies, is seen as a significant issue. The speaker suggests that cultural change is needed to address the declining birth rates and highlights the importance of religious and nationalist values in promoting higher fertility rates. The potential impact of genetic enhancement on individual desires to have children is also discussed, as the technology may enable individuals to have children later in life. The need for a meaningful life beyond material wealth and consumerism is emphasized as essential to addressing the demographic challenges faced by society.
Dr Jonathan Anomaly is a philosopher who writes about the social implications of emerging biotechnologies, teaches classes in ethics and game theory, and helped design the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at Duke University.
The ability to select from potential embryos is already here. Soon, we will be able to select for height, intelligence, personality types, moral disposition, athletic ability and maybe even enhance traits which aren't present. This creates a vortex of complex ethics around one of the most contentious topics on the internet - genetics. So I decided to dive in.
Expect to learn just what the current technology of embryo selection can achieve right now, whether opting to not genetically enhance your child is an unethical practise, the dangers of creating massive societal inequality, why you are already a eugenicist, whether genetic interventions are morally different from environmental ones and much more...
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