Introduction
Eugenics is a field of study that looks at the knowledge of applying selective reproduction and regeneration in humans. This study has the major focus of improving the features of new generations, with the attempt of making the human species more resistant to challenges facing the current human genetic form. The major area of concern of this subject is improving the mental capabilities of individuals especially those that are inherited. An example of these features that were in question for improvement is the human IQ.
Main Body
Genetic engineering on the other hand is the manipulation of the genetic structure of an organism where the major procedure is that of combining different genetic forms, so as to nurture desired features and shed off the unwanted physical and psychological traits of the organism. Genetic engineering often takes the form of altering the properties of organisms’ genes, or molecular cloning and these have had success in crop production and production of research organisms like the cancer mouse. In this study, the success of Hayes’ ideas, strengths, and weaknesses are discussed. Also to be discussed are the benefit and the negative effects that could result from the application of Hayes’ ideas.
The idea of being able to genetically determine the physical characteristics, life expectancy, and ability to endure hardships like the fatigue that is experienced by athletes would be quite a success. However, the question comes in when we talk of the cost that is to be born and possibly the side effects that genetic modification would pose. The other major question is the question of whether the modifications would be passed on to successive generations or not. Another question comes in, on how many people would accept to experiment with these ideas with their children and the possible limits that could be placed in the administration of this technology.
With success in cloning and creation of genetically improved humans, the question is almost taking effect with reports in the science of possible gene modification that will eliminate the chances of depression, and increasing the lifetime of unborn children. However, there was also the threat that the genetic superhumans would control the mainstream of human activities living the ordinary humans to marginalized living. In the long run, the inferior nature of ordinary humans would lead to their cultural and physical phase-out from society, due to the activities of the superhumans.
However, there is also the question that few genes determine the attributes of living organisms and also that, other genes would work more intensely in certain places depending on the environmental conditions there. This however makes these ideas rather questionable than achievable and this created the need for more explanation on the ideas.
The other question that arises is the extent to which these modifications would be administered in the current world of competition, as the problem arising here is in the number of genes to be altered and those to be left unaltered. Still, on this, propositions were to leave the technology to characteristic enhancement purposes only and this seemed more rational.
Another problem that genetic modification would pose was that it could intensify the differences among individuals. This problem would reach as far as the international community where the adoption of this technology would create super-competent humans in given countries, and this further would threaten the international balance in all aspects as well as being a threat to world peace.
The other area of question would be the experience base of the super generation, as they would obviously not be subjected to the same experiences like training as ordinary humans. This therefore would mean that they cannot operate on equal standards with the other people. Further, the domination of the superhumans on all human activities would also mean that humans will be subjected to modern slavery and victimization. This would also mean that ordinary humans would become dispensable to the needs, and interests of these humans they had created by their own technology. Another risk is that in the attempt to make your child a bit bigger or taller, there is the risk that the growth may become uncontrollable and possibly have no medical intervention. This then would mean an abnormality instead of the foreseen beneficial modification.
One of the strengths genetic modifications of humans would bring about is that growth rates would improve and resistance to challenges that pose a threat to ordinary human life like diseases would also decrease. This would in turn mean that the threat of diseases that result from the affliction of pathogens and parasites would be greatly reduced, as they affect organisms based on their genetic composition. As a result, this would reduce expenses that result from medical care and research. This technology would also help humans survive in rather challenging environments like extremely cold or hot regions.
Genetic modification technology would also reduce the risk of inbreeding or breeding of individuals with rather incompatible gene compositions as is the case today. This effect, in the long run, produces infertility in successive generations, therefore, posing a challenge to the reproduction of humans.
However, the study of genetic modification of humans raises so many ethical questions in the fields of religion, medicine and law, among other fields that have questioned the relevance and justification of this technology. The other negative impact of this technology is that it would result in genetic erosion, where endangered genotypes that are subjected to modification get phased out due to non-reproduction. Another negative effect of this technology would be the development of unwanted and uncontrolled gene flow that would lead to wild growth or reproduction of the new genetic composition.
The other ethical concern is that genetic improvement or modification can only be applied in a given group or class that is considered to be in need of the modification. This may further result in the superiority of the genetically modified group over the rest of the people in the future. This technology will also pose the effect of limiting the genetic diversification of the human race. This would in the long run lead to undesirable characteristics, where the new genetic composition may be prone to certain types of diseases or infections; the problem, in this case, is that the diseases would affect the whole population that has the given composition.
Conclusion
In general Hayes’ ideas of genetic modification can be beneficial in that the technology can be used to shed off the undesired physical characteristics and improve on the desired ones. This is practical since it has been found to work in crop and animal production. However, a major threat to the working of this technology is the fact that there is no sure way of controlling the rate and extent of growth or modification that is brought about by the technology. The other threat to the implementation of these ideas is that the superhumans who are genetically modified may pose a threat to the being of ordinary people. This is because their intellectual and physical capabilities may outweigh those of humans. In summary, this technology can be argued to cause more negative than positive effects on humans.