Modern Eugenics
Introduction
There are three major types of eugenics which have existed throughout history: natural, conventional, and modern. The first and original type of eugenics is known as evolution or natural selection. The inferior members of a species do not procreate due to the fact of survival of the fittest, only the strong survive. It has been proven that the substandard species die out as a result of overpopulation of stronger species and extinction of their own kind. Also, because most animals naturally prefer to mate with the most successful members of their respective species, the inferior of a given species are not nearly as likely to procreate even if they survive. Therefore, their genetic material and inferior characteristics are effectively removed from the gene pool of that species.
The second major type of eugenics is defined as conventional eugenics. The most prominent eugenic interest is what is referred to as “selective breeding.” This can be defined as “in domesticated animals is the process of a breeder developing a cultivated breed over time, and selecting qualities within individuals of the breed that will be best to pass on to the next generation.” This process is extremely controversial in the public eye and has been constantly disputed over since the onset of its presence. Generally, breeders examine which stock is of the finest quality and emphasis those traits which make the animal superior. The overall goal is to create the strongest, most flawless collection. So, instead of having to wait years for the environment to remove the inferior organisms from the gene pool, the breeder is able to act as soon as the subject has matured.
Currently, a third type of eugenics is rising, which is known as modern eugenics or genetic engineering. This type of science removes evolution from the reproductive process. It may be the most familiar and most accessible type society is exposed to. It transforms the development of the human species into a science involving test tubes and “fake genes.” There is nothing natural or personal about it.
Francis Fukuyama: Our Posthuman Future
Francis Fukuyama is a highly respected philosopher, political economist and author. We believe that to properly understand the field of Modern Eugenics, it is important to take into consideration the works of Fukuyama, specifically his book titled, "Our Posthuman Future" discusses how recent inroads in bio-medical research has allowed scientists to completely alter the human race using gene selection and genetic engineering. In the book, Fukuyama talks about the outcome of a world filled with manipulated DNA and possibly dangerous descendants. Using these themes and ideas as a centerpiece, we can continue our look into Modern Eugenics and paint a picture of what such a world would be like to live in.
Designer Babies
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is the specific term given to the process in which the forced manipulation of DNA is used to control the traits and characteristics of the unborn individual. While this process may prove beneficial to the fight against disease and virus, human genetic engineering mainly remains theoretical and is considered taboo in the science community. The only clinical exam of human gene therapy took place in 1990, but is still in an experimental stage. Gene modification has taken place only in mice and other small animals, experiments of these nature usually involve the removal of genetic material from one organism only to transfer it to another species.
Super Human Society
In the past three decades, scientists have discovered how to mix and match characteristics among unrelated creatures by moving genes from one individual to another, which can also be referred to as "genetic engineering." Now genetic engineers are starting to modify the genes of humans, using three approaches: 1) cloning 2) somatic cell manipulation and 3) human germline manipulation
Cloning This phenomenon is extremely controversial, as is most of eugenic use today. It works by using the DNA of an existing individual in order to create a new individual. As far as data shows, only animals have yet to be cloned. Human cloning has not been achieved successfully up to this point, however researchers continue to attempt this task. There are two main types of cloning: Embryo Cloning This idea could be used to create new human parts. For example, some scientists are working on methods to produce a new embryo from an existing person's cells and then use the cells from that embryo to produce replacements for failing body parts in the original person. An embryo develops about a week after conception, and in its early stages consists of a few identical cells, therefore Reproductive cloning This type of cloning could produce completely cloned individuals. Human cloning would produce a new person who is a near identical genetic copy of another person. He or she would, however, be different from the original person because he or she would develop in a different environment and have different experiences. The physical makeup of the two, however, would be exact.
Somatic cell manipulation
Somatic cells are all the cells of the body that do not pass DNA on to the next generation. Somatic cell manipulation is currently practiced in some medical research centers under the name "gene therapy." For example, researchers are experimenting with ways to introduce genes into the blood cells of patients with hemophilia (a blood disorder), and into cells of the immune system in patients with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID), a rare inherited disorder of the immune system. The idea is to "correct" the genetic component of the disease instead of, or in addition to, treating the disease with drugs. Hundreds of trials have been carried out, but in most cases the patients have not been cured quite yet. Researchers continue to work on achieving this someday.
Germline manipulation
Germline manipulation can be defined as the changing of sex cells, sperm and egg, which pass the parental genes to the next offspring. It refers to changes in the germ cells changes which will then be inherited by the next generation. Designing future generations through germline manipulation is still in the realm of science fiction, but just barely: some influential scientists are arguing that it should be attempted due to the fact that it is able to prevent transmission of genetic diseases. Also, germline engineering is necessary, however, to go beyond disease prevention and modify the genetics of children otherwise expected to be healthy.
Technology Advancements Good or Bad?
Bibliography
Bruinius, Harry. 2006. Better for all the world: the secret history of forced sterilization and America's quest for racial purity. New York: Knopf.
Science Books (2003, October 19). Five studies on the widely varied uses -- and abuses -- of science :[FINAL Edition]. The Washington Post,p. T10. Retrieved November 22, 2008, from ProQuest Newsstand database. (Document ID: 425227791).
