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Human gene therapy: down the slippery slope?

Nils Holtug

    Bioethics
    |October 1, 1993
    PubMed
    Summary

    Slippery slope arguments against human gene therapy are not convincing. Distinctions between gene therapy uses weaken logical arguments, and empirical evidence for negative consequences is lacking.

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    Area of Science:

    • Bioethics
    • Genetics
    • Medical Ethics

    Background:

    • Slippery slope arguments are debated, with some viewing them as valid and others as fallacious.
    • A trend suggests these arguments may be valid but unsubstantiated in many cases.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the strength of slippery slope arguments specifically applied to human gene therapy.
    • To analyze logical and empirical versions of the slippery slope argument in the context of gene therapy.

    Main Methods:

    • Distinguishing between three versions of slippery slope arguments: two logical and one empirical.
    • Evaluating human gene therapy against each of these three versions.
    • Referencing existing literature on slippery slope arguments concerning gene therapy.

    Main Results:

    • Logical slippery slope arguments against gene therapy fail due to the possibility of making relevant distinctions between different uses.
    • The empirical slippery slope argument lacks supporting evidence for a negative progression.
    • Accepting the empirical argument would necessitate broad, undesirable healthcare modifications for consistency.

    Conclusions:

    • Slippery slope arguments, in both logical and empirical forms, do not convincingly support prohibiting human gene therapy.
    • The potential for nuanced application of gene therapy undermines logical slippery slope concerns.
    • Lack of empirical evidence and the broad implications for healthcare render the empirical slippery slope argument against gene therapy unpersuasive.
    Keywords:
    Analytical ApproachBiomedical and Behavioral ResearchGenetics and ReproductionPhilosophical Approach

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