Answer for: Has eugenics got a role to play in the future development of humanity?
#2 Only if it has a clear ethical framework
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At the moment, there are too many pitfalls and morally dubious reasons for choosing a particular baby over another.
Until we accept that "difference" is as necessary as conformity, then this is the path to physical, moral and intellectual sterility.
It is a bit trite, but also powerful, to point out those creative and intellectual giants who wouldn't have been born, had decisions been made about congenital or long-term illnesses.
See also:
http://www.ethicsand...editorial.htm
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Yes, I agree.
What about genetic engineering to modify foetuses to eliminate diseases and conditions?
The same ethical considerations would apply I think. I am sure, for example, that if such a thing as a "gay gene" was discovered, then nasty dictators would seek to abort foetuses that carried it or modify the foetuses to eliminate it.
If you could cure a life-threatening illness in a foetus, that would be an acceptable use of genetic engineering; however, the elimination of "gayness" or manipulation of appearance to produce an individual who conformed to a standard concept of beauty would be ethically dubious (to say the least!)
All new scientific advances should be welcomed, but also brought within ethical frameworks to stop us getting carried away with ourselves (and as much damage can be done with the best of motives, as by dictators).
In the UK we have the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (http://www.hfea.gov.uk/) - not perfect, but I think doing their best in an area which is a bit of a minefield.
Excellent question, btw Thoralby!