Does the idea of ethics limit our scientific progress?

The scientific stage has greatly changed over the years. In the world of genetic engineering, a lot has progressed. Human now use genetic engineering to modify a lot of things for society’s comfort. One example is the food we eat; through altering the genetic makeup of crops, we can maximize the productivity.

There have been separate opinions when it comes to altering the genetic makeup of humans though. Years ago, the notion of having genetically modified babies sparked debate because it was branded as ‘ethically unjustifiable’. Another controversial issue is with human cloning. With cloning humans, we could have a lot of supplies of internal organs which would be so much better than other alternatives. What do you think?

 

If the humans that are cloned are created without a brain, or at the very least, created brain-dead, I don't think it should be that much a of a problem.

However, methods of growing singular organs made of the hosts tissue have been developing so cloning humans for such purposes is becoming less of a necessary path. Besides, cloning an entire human for a few organs is a massive waste of resources and time, especially when they're only intended for one person.

Genetically modifying babies is another thing though. I don't think parents should simply be able to 'design' their perfect child, it removes the element of randomness that comes with having a child, and I don't even want to think about the psychological effects on the child over time.

I do think though, that when it comes to affecting a few genes within the child, to prevent a debilitating disease to persist, genetic modification is wonderful idea. Any number of children could live normal lives because a few genes were switched around, rather than being bed-ridden, or weakened physically or mentally their entire life. We insist on caring and keeping these (objectively) leeches on society alive rather than euthanizing them the second disease becomes apparent (which for many is the moment they're born). Is this ethical? Yes, you are giving them the opportunity at life, but it's life in a wheelchair, they will almost certainly never have a job, or fall in love, or do any number of fun things with friends, they may never have friends. Chances are they will be cared for like a baby their entire life, by people who secretly (or not-so-secretly) resent them.

To sum up this long point, I think we should jump at the chance to modify babies that display genetic diseases to make sure they can live a normal life.

 

Of course ethics limit scientific research a lot. But without ethics I think the world would be a much worse place even though we migh have created more and better inventions faster...

 

In my opinion, a researcher should always consider ethical views in science. It's all about safety, humanity, and trust in others. There is a moving boundary that is regarded as ethically accepted.

Of course, how much ethics affect research depends on the characteristics of science. Pure mathematics is a science where ethics have a minimal role. Then again, in medicine or business, ethics are more than crucial.