Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
precedented degree of control over our future evolution. Persons who ob-
ject to human germ-line genetic enhancement because it is unnatural are,
knowingly or not, placing humans and human activity outside the realm
of nature. yet all facets of modern biology tell us that we are a prod-
uct and a part of nature.
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moreover, persons with this objection are hard
pressed to explain how germ-line enhancement is any less natural than fly-
ing across oceans in metal cylinders or replacing human heart valves with
those from pigs.
A variation on this objection is to say that natural selection is wiser than
human desire when it comes to designing genomes, so we should use re-
straint in applying germ-line enhancements to the human genome. for ex-
ample, augmenting traits like aggressiveness and group loyalty or decreas-
ing the capacity for empathy may have benefits for soldiers or rugby players
but may not be in the long-term interest of the species.
natural selection is sometimes “wise” and sometimes not. evolution
works with preexisting structures rather than engineering innovations
from scratch. Therefore, we have undesirable traits such as an appendix
prone to infection, wisdom teeth, and a spinal column that fosters lower
back problems. nevertheless, evolution via natural selection is wiser than
humans in seeing the big picture. Plant, animal, and microbe components
of communities, entire ecosystems, and the global biosphere itself fit to-
gether in a complex network of interdependency that works. By contrast,
we humans tend to behave with relatively short-term gains in mind, and
we often fail to think about how our actions affect the network of inter-
dependent organisms and processes necessary for all living things to thrive.
The dangers in humankind taking charge of the structure and evolution of
entire ecosystems are discussed in the context of the new discipline of
syn-
thetic biology
in chapter 10. in preparation for controlling our own evolu-
tion, which will almost surely come to pass over the next century or two,
we now need to nurture in our children and great-grandchildren farsight-
edness in their desires for themselves and for the species.
Objection 5.
We do not know enough about gene function to safely alter
the human germ line; in our ignorance, we may cause more harm than good.
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