Genetics, Reproductive and Cloning Technology in “Frankenstein” Coursework

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Introduction

It is believed that the novel Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus is the most basic effort in science fiction. It is a gothic novel that incorporates romance in its themes. Victor Frankenstein was very passionate about science subjects and he learned to view the world through science eyes (Shelley, 2004). It is through his passion for science that he created the monster that terrorized people he loved after he refused to create a female companion for the monster who felt alienated. Victor was made to suffer by the monster after the monster killed his brother and ultimately ended up killing his love, Elizabeth. This made victor want to kill the monster to avenge the death of his loved ones (Shelley, 2004).

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Argument Against Cloning Technology Given the Novel ‘Frankenstein’

I think Mary Shelley would have opposed cloning technology. My subjective view is based on how Mary Shelley introduces us to the novel. In his letters, Captain Robert Walton talks of the dangers of pursuing our ambition for knowledge. Victor Frankenstein when found by Captain Robert Walton, begins to narrate his story and it is through his letters that he warns us of becoming too over-ambitious. After Frankenstein created the monster, victor abandons the monster for the monster turned out the way he did not expect. The monster becomes a killer and in the end, Frankenstein is left with no option but to destroy his creation (Shelley, 2004). Why would Frankenstein want to destroy a monster he had created through his knowledge of science and hard work? In addition, Frankenstein had agreed to create a female companion for the monster but on second thoughts, he destroyed the parts of the female companion. Frankenstein could not come to terms with what two creatures’ could do to mankind if only one monster had caused the death of so many people (Shelley, 2004). If Mary Shelley was for the idea of cloning technology, I think her novel would have ended up with Frankenstein creating a female companion for the monster to compliment the theme of love in the novel but this is not the case. When Frankenstein refuses to create a female companion for the monster, I think Mary Shelley was trying to educate mankind on the dangers of science technology.

Benefits of Genetics, Reproductive and Disability Research

Not all that relates to technology has negative effects for research done on genetics, reproductive and disabilities have its positive sides. Taking the case of reproductive cloning, the research done can be useful in that dying out species can be repopulated until they have not endangered anymore (Andrews, 2004). This would solve the puzzle that species can be extinct. Disabled persons also will have a chance to improve the parts of the body that they see as not sufficient (Wolbring, 2004). Therapeutic cloning on the other hand could be used to produce cells that can replace the damaged cells in human beings. Imagine a world where people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be cured and tissues can be developed for organ transplants. This is one of the many benefits that advances in technology could bring.

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Perils of Genetics, Reproductive and Disability Research

According to Andrews (2004), one of the greatest dangers in people advancing in technological innovations and invention is how to control the technology inventions. He asks the question of who will be in charge of controlling the technological inventions for the inventions seems to be changing society and the meaning of life (Andrews, 2004). For instance, according to Gregor, parents can enhance the genetics of their children via a technology called Gemline manipulation. This allows parents to incorporate genes that are not in their partners into their children (Wolbring, 2004). Using technology to manipulate genes is unethical for we will end up having people who are like robots or manufactured without their consent. For instance, parents who manipulate the genes of their children through Gemline manipulation will do so without the consent of the child and the child may later on in life, not like what the parents did to him or her (Wolbring, 2004).

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology raises several ethical issues and at the same time offers solutions for instance to enhance or improve the lives of the disabled. If we can take the example of Mary Shelley’s novel, people should only come up with technology that they can be able to handle and not one that can later destroy them for instance through changing society.

References

Andrews, L. (2004). Living with the Genie: Essays on Technology and the Quest for Human Mastery. Washington DC. Island Press.

Shelley, M. (2004). Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus. US. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.

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Wolbring, G. (2004). Living with the Genie: Essays on Technology and the Quest for Human Mastery. Washington DC. Island Press.

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IvyPanda. 2022. "Genetics, Reproductive and Cloning Technology in “Frankenstein”." September 4, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/genetics-reproductive-and-cloning-technology-in-frankenstein/.

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IvyPanda. "Genetics, Reproductive and Cloning Technology in “Frankenstein”." September 4, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/genetics-reproductive-and-cloning-technology-in-frankenstein/.

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