Nathan Bickmore

Taking Sides Issue #12

6/6/16
Is Genetic Enhancement an Unacceptable Use of Technology?
Genetic enhancement is a newly developing technology that tests the
limits of human possibility and the full implications and impacts are not yet
completely understood. The possibility of developing better or more
desirable genes is becoming more of an attainable image rather than a
hopeless aspiration. In recent decades, more and more scientists have nearly
breached the gap to successfully enhancing human beings in a variety of
way such as, being smarter, more attractive, taller, stronger, and in better
health than the rest of the human species that currently exist in this world.
This topic still requires much more progress before anything can be set in
stone, but one this that we do know is that more and more possibilities are
being discovering within this topic with nearly every application ready and
willing to be tested and tried.
Being said, this topic is very controversial with many different opinions
being mentioned from a variety of people. Michael J. Sandel believes in the
article stated above that he feels that genetic enhancement is an
unacceptable use of technology and poses great dangers to the natural
parenthood of humans and the plainness of the human race in its pure state.
Sandel talks about how a moral vertigo is pushing the opinions of sport
fanatic parents to raise a perfect child with enhanced abilities which would
give them an edge against the growing competition of sports. The race for
perfection would be more of a dream of the parents trying to create their

own super human with little regard for what the unborn child might want for
his or her self. Sandel goes on to talk about how many people might use
genetic enhancement for practical reasons such as enhanced memory for
those who suffer from Alzheimers disease or abnormally short people to fit
in with an improvement in their height and stature. On the other side of
things, there are people who simply want to create a competition between
humans, being the smartest without really working at it, or being naturally
better at athletics or music than someone who naturally practices a large
portion of their lives improving that skill. Sandel feels that the majority of
skills and talents that we have are to be attributed to our own personal
ambition and dedication, not just a predetermined life that was planned and
produced by someone who cares more about what you do rather than who
you naturally are.
Among those who are interested in this topic are people that disagree
with genetic enhancement being an unacceptable use of technology. A
doctor by the name of Howard Trachtman who is included in the article
stated above, advocates the benefits and the acceptability of this side of the
spectrum. Trachtman begins his side of the article with stating that the
patients and doctors both will always be hopeful of any sort of enhancement
that new breakthroughs can offer, especially when the developing
technology proves useful in the repair and recovery of those with disorders
and disablements. Trachtman allows his audience to understand his side of
the spectrum by talking about how the human enhancement represents the

intrinsic nature of man. Trachtman describes that advancements that the

human race has already made and wonders why we should stop now when
many could be helped or saved as a direct result of this aspired
advancement. With regards to the potential dangers that this kind of
advancement poses, Trachtman says that there needs to be constant
surveillance for undesirable and unanticipated consequences. Despite the
potential dangers Trachtman states, I would encourage the medical
community to embrace enhancement as a never ending quest for health that
will make us healthier but never perfect.
After having read and pondered the article from both sides of the
spectrum, I can see the reasoning and logic that both Sandel and Trachtman
used to prove their points. I personally believe that genetic enhancement is
indeed an acceptable use of technology. I understand that potential risks that
are involved but I feel that the increased health and wellbeing of the people
is a large portion of what science and experiments are all about. The need
for severe regulation would be obviously needed and the access of this sort
of enhancement would be only to those that show a significant need
towards the genetic advancement. I think that even if the sports fanatics of
the world got a hold of this technology it still wouldnt be enough reason to
negate the opportunity for better health to those who actually need it.
The societal implications of this genetic advancement technology
would be enormous. Those who once suffered from Alzheimers now would
be able to maintain the precious memories that they have developed over

the years. A small infant wouldnt need to wonder if he or she will be a

normal size human being or not. I believe that society would invite this kind
of advancement into our daily lives which would create a whole new world
for better health and improved wellbeing in the lives of millions. Given the
fact that we as a society will not ever be able to attain perfection, we will be
able to improve the lives of our grandchildren and great grandchildren as
more and more health related problems will be continually reduced.
Genetic enhancement will always be a topic of distinct views and
differing thoughts and it still is not a subject that we completely understand.
As we continue researching and learning about genetic enhancement, we will
have a better understanding about all of the implications and consequences
that this diverse issue presents.