Discussion 33

Mehlman begins his article by telling us "[p]roducts and services to boost performance, appearance, or capability are here to stay, and better, more sophisticated ones are on the way. "  That's what we are talking about when we speak of enhancements, healthy people "bettering" themselves in some way.  Michael Sandel is concerned about where enhancing people will take us.  He talks about what we will lose as we seek perfection, that is humility and an acceptance of the unbidden.

Enhancements stand in stark contrast with the promise of gene editing technologies that might be used for the treatment of illnesses or disorders.  

Read the materials in Module 5 and write a thread that contains these elements:

Paragraph 1:  Enhancements.  a) Discuss at least one pro (benefit) and one cost (harm) associated with enhancing people.  Cite specifics from the articles.   b) When do you believe it is appropriate for people to use enhancements and when is it not appropriate?   Why and why not? 

Paragraph 2:  Gene editing for treating illnesses and disorders.  a) Discuss at least one pro (benefit) and at least one harm or risk associated with gene editing as a treatment.  b) What is your opinion of the use of this technology.  How, when and why should it be used or not used?  Make specific references to the course material.

Paragraph 3:  Which human value seems most relevant to consideration in making these decisions and why?

Your response should be an essay of at least 150 words.