Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning Jonathan Anomaly and James Lee: is eugenics in our future?
Sep 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, behavioral geneticist James Lee and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly tackle the complexities of embryo selection, particularly the new tech startup Herasight. Lee raises ethical concerns about the implications of polygenic embryo selection, arguing that embryos have full moral status. In contrast, Anomaly advocates for cautious genetic enhancement, considering its potential to unlock human capabilities. The duo debates societal equality repercussions and explores the multifaceted moral landscape surrounding these emerging technologies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
How Polygenic Embryo Testing Works
- Polygenic embryo testing scans biopsied trophectoderm cells to estimate risks and traits using large biobank-derived scores.
- Parents then choose which frozen embryo to implant, often preventing later abortion for detected disorders.
Selection Raises Disposal Stakes
- Embryos not implanted are typically destroyed or frozen indefinitely, and selection increases immediate disposal for specific traits.
- Rejected embryos in selection are singled out for chosen statistical reasons, raising distinct ethical concerns.
Selection May Reduce Later Abortions
- Jonathan argues embryo selection can reduce later abortions by choosing against aneuploidy before implantation.
- He frames embryo testing as preventing later-term moral harms tied to aborting developed fetuses.
