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Genetic engineering and autonomous agency.

Linda Barclay1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark. Filbarclay@hum.au.dk

Journal of Applied Philosophy
|March 3, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Genetic manipulation of embryo sexual orientation may harm future autonomous agency. Societal norms linked to such genetic interventions can impede personal autonomy and supportive environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genetic technologies are advancing, raising ethical questions about human enhancement.
  • The concept of autonomous agency is central to moral and legal personhood.
  • Previous research has explored the ethics of genetic interventions but less on their impact on autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the potential impact of genetically manipulating sexual orientation on an individual's autonomous agency.
  • To examine how societal norms associated with genetic interventions can affect autonomy.
  • To explore the ethical implications of embryo genetic modification for personal development.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical argumentation
  • Ethical analysis
  • Case study of sexist oppression

Main Results:

  • Genetic manipulation of sexual orientation may undermine the capacity for autonomous agency.
  • Norms embedded in genetic interventions can create social environments detrimental to autonomy.
  • The exercise of autonomous agency is contingent on supportive social and environmental factors.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic interventions targeting sexual orientation pose significant ethical risks to autonomous agency.
  • Protecting the development of autonomous agency requires careful consideration of the social context of genetic technologies.
  • Further ethical debate is needed on the limits of genetic manipulation in human embryos.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachBiomedical and Behavioral ResearchGenetics and ReproductionPhilosophical Approach

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