Debate Genetics, flipping the switch.

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by Actually cool, Sep 15, 2008.

  1. Actually cool

    Actually cool Ancient
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    Do humans have the right to 'play god' by altering animal's genomes?
    Is it morally acceptable to 'flip switches' in the genetic code?


    More and more, modern biologists are beginning to experiment with genomes. One of the most notable being the alteration of chickens as to give them dinosaur like features or adding desirable traits to show animals. Humans have been doing this since the first wolf was domesticated by our nomad ancestors. The art of breeding is essentially a type of genetic alteration.

    Should we continue to experiment with such powerful things?


    If we were to say, give a chicken a new body part, like arms, it could potentially develop new behaviors, potentially dangerous to mankind.


    Cloning, engineering new species, and re-creating old creatures are only some of the things we could do with this curious new scientific front.


    What is your opinion?
     
  2. Hari

    Hari Ancient
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    There is no way to answer such a question. One could answer the question religiously, however, there is no concrete answer either way. Currently, i would say that not enough is known about genetic alteration in itself to answer this question. Its quite alot to think about.........i really have no idea.
     
  3. RabidZergling

    RabidZergling Ancient
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    All science comes with a risk. This is really more of a question of religious views than anything, and I think that it basically comes down to that.
    To continue my argument, however, you also have to remember that all science comes with risks. If we refused to take risks, think of where we would be today- practically nowhere. A great example of this is the LHC. Some people were saying that it was going to create a black hole which would consume the world, but if we had refused to do the test because of that possibility we would never be on our way of knowing if Standard Model was correct or not.
     
  4. Projectt2501

    Projectt2501 Ancient
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    OMG, its like Jerasic Park!!!

    I believe in the progression of science. However, the moment they start messing with human traits, I have a problem. Genetics is what makes people who they are. As soon as your individuality is altered, you lose it.
     
  5. Norlinsky

    Norlinsky Guest

    If you look at it from an almost deist view, we have the right to create whatever life is necessary. Which I think is correct, because it is about our needs, right? If we needed them, then why shouldn't we?
     
  6. Brodellsky

    Brodellsky Ancient
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    Assuming that they don't make it for evil, I don't see why not.
    We could end every disease known to man, nobody could ever get sick, make people so smart that we design ways for new energy, finding life on other far distant planets.
     

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