My boyfriend and I just had a very nice, long discussion about genetic alterations and progressions of these alterations so far as to create a sort of 'superhuman' race. I'm interested to see the opinions of others on this, as the two of us obviously did not represent all sides to the argument.

My own proposition was that there should indeed be ethical limits on genetic alterations. I would never want to see people created for the sole purpose of being slaves or fighting wars, even if cognitive abilities used to understand what they were doing were eliminated. Or, if warlike and other instincts were somehow removed through progressions in the neurological field (one of his suggestions), I wouldn't want to see every single person as a superhuman with the only purpose of working toward development and progression because what would be the point without anyone with the cognitive abilities and instincts to enjoy it?

I made the title 'Brave New World' because the book ties directly into the subject (as does Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut, which I recently read) and during our discussion, I found out that it could in fact be interpreted differently than I had, as my boyfriend got the exact opposite point out of it (that complete furthering of genetic alterations would be wonderful).

Go.

well the problem with genetic alterations i see is similar to gattica, where the rich are the ones who can afford genetic enhancement of their children, leading to a severe class rift between those who were born naturally and those who were made to be perfect.

Mmm, we didn't even think of the cost aspect. I guess we just had unlimited money...

But, we just discussed like, creating genetically altered people, or artificial people...not necessarily injecting it into all babies. Obviously when introduced, people will pay for it, but down the road, it will be a way of life and either there will be normal people and artificial ones or everyone will be a 'superhuman'.

Hmm, I dont like the idea of that.

The only genetic alternating I would agree with would be for health reasons. Like to stop a child from being a midget, or from having any type of disabling illness. Or is that kind of thing totally different from what you're talking about?

No, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I would support that. That's putting a limit on genetic alterations - no actual artificial complete beings.

I think genetic alterations would cause chaos in the world we live in. Everyone would want to alter their kids. As if there isn't enough segregation. The genetically altered kids (who probably would be the goodlooking ones) wouldn't want to mix with the natural ones.

I agree with Kimmytree, but that's as far as I can go.

I'm not really for it.

Edit//

You really got me thinking. I'm asuming that rich people would be the only ones who could afford genetic alternating. What about the low class citizens?
Also, I'm pretty sure that being 'natural' would be considered as old school.

Oh! Then yay.


Well, for medical reasons - I hope that would be something that insurance would cover, just like they would any other procedure. But when it comes to changing appearances, athletic ability, intelligence, etc... that should never be allowed. Because then it would only be obtainable by the rich upper class. Then we would be even more divided. Could you imagine everyone else staying normal, and then the rich basically creating a superior race? That's 'bout what it would be like. Not only would they be the richest, but they would be smarter, better looking, and more athletic. How would anyone who wasnt rich climb their way to the top like they do today?

lol @ people who think they know what the "right" alteration to make is.

The only alterations I would have to agree with, is to eliminate any potential diseases for the future of the child. To take away the probabilities of which later on would hurt/kill the human.

I would mention another form of alteration, but I foresee me getting slammed by at least 50% of this forum board because they'd easily get offended about it. So I'll just keep it to myself.

But I will give you an idea, to fix what is against the Law Of Nature.


P.S. I see my banwagon growing already :D

Please explain "superhuman"? What are the benefits of a superhuman race?

Regardless, I completely disagree with genetic alteration completely. It would create more problems than solve. People would die during failed experiments which would lead to greater disputes and protests on the ethicality of genetic alteration (if that isn't already happening now). Millions, if not billions of dollars would be spent on research, facilities, educating a new wave of scientists, and of course the execution of alteration in itself.

Superhumanity could lead to mass chaos. Imagine a mass murderer being granted superhuman powers. Can you say evil, invincible dictator that will bite your head off if you disobey?

The idea of genetically altering anything brings to mind deformed, wasted and permenantly damaged creatures, not medical breakthrough.

Cloning and stem cell research is about as far as I'll go.