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Behavioural genetics: why eugenic selection is preferable to enhancement
Julian Savulescu1, Melanie Hemsley, Ainsley Newson
1Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, St Ebbe's Street, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1PT, UK. julian.savulescu@philosophy.oxford.ac.uk
Journal of Applied Philosophy
|October 14, 2006
Summary
Genetics may predict criminal tendencies in some families. Intervening ethically is possible through genetic selection, not enhancement, to prevent harm and social discrimination in future children.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Bioethics
- Forensic psychology
Background:
- Research suggests a potential genetic influence on criminal behavior.
- This raises significant ethical questions regarding intervention and scientific validity.
- Previous studies have explored the complex interplay between genetics and behavioral tendencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ethically evaluate interventions aimed at preventing criminal tendencies in future children, assuming genetic prediction is valid.
- To explore the justification of genetic intervention for avoiding harm.
- To address moral concerns, including social discrimination, associated with preventing criminal behavior predisposition.
Main Methods:
- Ethical analysis and philosophical argumentation.
- Consideration of genetic selection versus genetic enhancement.
- Evaluation of potential societal impacts and moral objections.
Main Results:
- Intervention is ethically justifiable when using genetic selection to avoid harm.
- Genetic enhancement is distinguished from selection in ethical considerations.
- Concerns regarding social discrimination can be mitigated.
Conclusions:
- Genetic selection offers an ethically acceptable method for intervening in predispositions to criminal behavior.
- Prioritizing harm avoidance supports the ethical permissibility of such interventions.
- Societal challenges like discrimination can be addressed, making preventative genetic approaches viable.
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