Causes for Concern

This second period of Eugenics has the potential to be far more harmful to mankind than the first. The following causes for concern follow the three stages mentioned earlier in the Return of Eugenics. Each general concern only becomes worse as another stage is entered.

Stage 1

Increased Difficulty in Predicting Side Effects

The greater the number of gene interactions involved, the greater the number of possible outcomes. Also, the higher the complexity level of these interactions, the higher the probablity of side effects from a change in the process or any of the genes involved.

However, as noted before,

“[The fact] that the multiple functions of genes and gene interactions are highly complex does not mean that all human genetic engineering will be on hold until we understand them. No technology ever develops in this fashion. New drugs are invented, tested, and approved for use all the time without the manufacturers knowing exactly how they produce their effects." (Fukuyama, )

Stage 3

Humans? What humans?

If genetic engineering were to be legalized, who would have access to this technology?

Would there be a need for a genetic welfare democracy?

Would some kind of Superhuman class be inadvertently created by the market and the already-existing disparities in wage and wealth distributions along lines of race, class, or gender?

What happens when we continually treat human life in a utilitarian way?

When are Rights accorded to a human life? – Is this decision based on ability or superficial traits?

If we assert that the lack of these traits mean a lack of humanity or a lack of worth, what are we simultaneously asserting about people who currently live with disorders that lack these abilities or traits?

Eugenics | Eugenics and Family | People of Tomorrow | The Biotechnological Revolution | The Return of Eugenics | Causes for Concern | Conclusion - 1