| As the properties of the various segments and genes of human chomosomes
are discovered, we will certainly want to repair tendencies toward genetical
disorders. We need to retain knowledge of what is removed or changed,
because we could well be discarding a valuable genetic asset. The
genes that predispose people of African descent to sycle cell anemia are
also beneficial in surviving malaria. Is it not conceivable that
other genetic disorders might hold survival to other diseases, perhaps
even some that no longer exist in the form that our ancestors survived,
but might somehow be reencountered?
As we further explore traits held in genes, we may wish to enhance intelligence,
longevity, physical attributes such as height or strength, perhaps even
personality traits such as wit or gregariousness. In the interest
of equality, we should make any enhancements found to be effective and
safe available to all who wish it. We should further decide now that
we will not engineer any inferior qualities into people.
There are many literary dsytopian examples of genetic haves and have-nots.
These should be example enough of why we should avoid such elitism or reverse
engineering. |
