Biotechnology & Bioengineering

Read, Kass, “Ageless Bodies, Happy Souls” and answer the following questions:

  1. How does Kass call into question the distinction between therapy and enhancement?
  2. What sorts of things stimulate “repugnance” in Kass’ account? Is Kass right to identify a sort of wisdom in this sort of repugnance?
  3. Why does Kass celebrate humility and modesty in the face of “givenness” of life and acceptance of our aging bodies?
  4. How convincing are each of these contentions made by deep ecologists: that our environmental problems are caused by our being too individualistic; that our environmental problems are caused by our reductionism; that our environmental problems are caused by our consumerism?

5.Do you think that it is morally permissible to use animals in experiments? If so, are there any conditions you would set on the experiments with regard to the type of animal used, the purpose of the experiments, or how to conduct the experiments?

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Sample Answer

Kass on Therapy and Enhancement, Repugnance, Humility, and Deep Ecology

1. Therapy vs Enhancement:

Kass argues that the distinction between “therapy” and “enhancement” is blurred and problematic. While therapy aims to restore health and function to a normal state, enhancement seeks to exceed normal limitations and achieve a state beyond what is naturally possible. He argues that the pursuit of enhancement can easily lead to a slippery slope, where the line between therapy and enhancement becomes increasingly blurred. This raises ethical concerns about the potential for exploitation, inequality, and the dehumanization of individuals.

2. Repugnance:

Kass identifies various aspects of biotechnology and the pursuit of enhancement that stimulate repugnance, including:

  • Manipulation of human nature: He argues that altering our basic biological makeup and attempting to transcend our natural limitations violates our inherent human dignity and undermines our acceptance of our finitude.
  • Loss of control and unforeseen consequences: The interventions may have unintended and negative consequences, leading to unforeseen risks and potentially irreversible changes.

Full Answer Section

Widening social disparities: Access to these technologies could exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a society with haves and have-nots based on their biological enhancements.
Whether Kass is right to trust these feelings of repugnance as a source of wisdom is a complex question. On the one hand, these gut feelings may alert us to potential ethical concerns and the need for caution. On the other hand, repugnance can sometimes be based on prejudice or fear of the unknown, hindering progress and innovation.

3. Humility and Modesty:

Kass emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty in the face of life’s givenness. He argues that accepting the limitations of our biology and the inevitability of aging fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life itself. This, he argues, leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence than the constant striving for enhancement.

4. Deep Ecology and Environmental Problems:

Deep ecologists argue that our environmental problems stem from several factors:

Individualism: Our focus on individual rights and desires over the collective good leads to overconsumption and unsustainable practices.
Reductionism: Breaking down complex systems into smaller components hinders our understanding of the interconnectedness of nature.
Consumerism: The constant pursuit of material possessions and economic growth fuels resource depletion and environmental degradation.
While these arguments are compelling, attributing all environmental problems solely to these reasons overlooks other contributing factors. Additionally, deep ecology’s solutions, often advocating radical changes in our lifestyles and values, may face significant challenges in implementation.

5. Animal Experimentation:

The moral permissibility of using animals in experiments is a complex and contested issue. While some argue that it is necessary for scientific advancement and improving human and animal health, others raise ethical concerns about animal suffering and exploitation.

If animal experimentation is deemed necessary, it should be conducted with the utmost care and respect for animal welfare. This includes minimizing pain and suffering, using alternative methods whenever possible, and ensuring the experiments serve a legitimate and valuable purpose. Additionally, strict regulations and oversight are crucial to uphold ethical standards and ensure animal welfare is prioritized.

Conclusion:

Kass’s arguments raise important questions about the ethical implications of biotechnology and our relationship with the natural world. While his views may not be universally accepted, his call for caution, humility, and a deeper understanding of the consequences of our actions offers valuable insights that should be considered as we navigate the challenges of the future.

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