Guiding Questions

• Do humans have the right to modify life?

• What is the line between healing and enhancing?

• Who decides what counts as a “better” human?

When Science Edits the Blueprint of Life

From genetic engineering to synthetic biology, modern science is no longer just studying life — it’s rewriting it.

Breakthroughs like CRISPR gene editing allow us to:

• Cure inherited diseases

• Alter embryos

• Modify crops and animals

• Extend human lifespan

But with these powers come profound ethical questions.

Just because we can — does that mean we should?

Healing, Enhancing… or Harming?

At first, biotechnology seems just: eliminating suffering, restoring health.

But where does treatment end and enhancement begin?

• Editing genes to prevent disease: is that healing?

• Editing genes for higher IQ: is that fair?

• Choosing a child’s traits: is that liberty — or control?

• Modifying human embryos: is that progress — or hubris?

And who gets access? Only the rich?

If bio-enhancement becomes a privilege, will inequality become genetic?

Philosophical Perspectives

Francis Fukuyama – Our Posthuman Future

Warned that biotechnology could threaten human dignity and democracy, creating a class of “genetically enhanced elites.”

Leon Kass – The Wisdom of Repugnance

Argued that our instinctive moral discomfort (“this feels wrong”) can be a valid ethical guide — especially with cloning and embryo modification.

Julian Savulescu – Procreative Beneficence

Believes parents have a moral duty to enhance their children’s genes if possible — to give them the best possible life. But is that freedom, or eugenics?

Hans Jonas – The Imperative of Responsibility

Emphasized caution: when power exceeds understanding, responsibility must be our guide — especially toward future generations.

A Thought Experiment

Imagine two children:

• One is born through natural means

• The other is genetically edited for superior strength, memory, and beauty

They go to the same school.

They apply for the same job.

They live in the same democracy.

Is justice still possible between them?

Now imagine:

Governments start requiring enhancements for national competitiveness.

Is this a utopia — or a new kind of tyranny?

Risks and Dilemmas

• Who controls the technology?

• Could genetic traits be patented — and sold?

• Will “normal” children face discrimination?

• Will disability be seen as a defect to eliminate?

Biotech may promise a better future — but may also erase the value of difference, imperfection, and humility.

Toward Ethical Biotechnology

If justice is to guide innovation, we must demand:

• Universal access – no genetic caste system

• Democratic debate – no silent science

• Respect for limits – not all that is possible is permissible

• Protection of diversity – genetic or otherwise

• Ethics before markets – profit cannot drive what it means to be human

Reflect and Discuss

• Is gene editing a form of compassion — or control?

• Should society protect the “natural” — or improve it?

• Who should decide the limits of redesigning life?

Suggested Readings

• Francis Fukuyama – Our Posthuman Future

• Hans Jonas – The Imperative of Responsibility

• Julian Savulescu – Enhancing Human Capacities

• Leon Kass – Life, Liberty and the Defense of Dignity

• UNESCO – Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights