Will Genetic Engineering change the definition of Humanity? What are your perspe

1. 60

   Sayyeda Zonahposted 10 years ago

   Will Genetic Engineering change the definition of Humanity?
   What are your perspectives?

   replyreport
2. 93

   TolovajWordsmithposted 10 years ago

   In short - yes. But we should know genetics is playing important part for all the humankind. We prefer pretty faces, stronger bodies, healthier skin complexion, ... and there is perfectly good explanation for this from evolutionary point of view.
   
   We are trying to 'cheat' this natural selection by using make up, plastic surgery and numerous other tricks to get partners and 'produce' babies which are not exactly perfect by initial genetic standards. So I don't really see big difference when we include genetic engineering. We are still trying to spread our genes the best we can.
   
   Cheating is part of evolution. Always was, always will be.
   
   I hope I didn't stray too far?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Sayyeda Zonahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Describe cheating. Humankind is changing, evolving, but 'humanity' seems to be diminished. Althou, i do respect your answer!

      replyreport
3. 60

   Link10103posted 10 years ago

   I think it already has, to some degree. We use genetic engineering in animals to produce large quantities of food and to produce "super" crops.
   
   Eventually I imagine we will really start to delve into cloning, stem cell research, and genetic modification in humans. We might even get to the point where we can live for as long as we want, or at least drastically extend our lifespan.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Sayyeda Zonahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Cloning and genetic modifications have already started! But to some point i do disagree with the lifespan extension. And most importantly don't you think this will crate a huge class difference between people and countries?
      Althou, i do respct ur ans

      replyreport
4. 83

   tamarawilhiteposted 10 years ago

   The major immediate impact will be the treatment of many genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and inherited cancer risks in those currently existing. For example, control genetic expression to turn off genes like BRAC-1 and others that raise the risk of cancer.
   Next will be the use of genetic engineering to cure disorders. It will be much more acceptable to use genetic engineering to remove tendencies like diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart disease risks and so forth than improvements.
   It is certainly possible that genetic engineering will be used to try to improve the species. The challenge is that it creates people who by definition would be at the top of a merit based society, thus able to dominate it, since their parents had the money and connections to get their kids genetically enhanced.
   It won't alter the species on a large scale for generations, because it isn't yet reliable and proven. Would you take a chance to spend tens of thousands to improve a potential child, when you don't know if the traits will take or the impact on their lives once grown? Or that the traits added for certain benefits won't be dangerous in excess?
   There is the possibility that human subpopulations might be created to suit some purpose, but in a world approaching 8 billion people, it is cheaper and easier in such a world to alter existing humans that create them, raise them and hope you get the intended result like a super-soldier.

   replyreport