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What is morally distinctive about genetic engineering?

J Porter1

  • 1Department of Theology, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Human Gene Therapy
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Genetic engineering is not inherently unnatural or morally problematic. Ethical considerations for genetic engineering should align with those for other medical procedures.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology and Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • Genetic engineering faces public and practitioner skepticism due to perceptions of unnaturalness.
  • The ethical status of genetic engineering is often debated based on its perceived deviation from natural processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the concept of
  • natural
  • in relation to genetic engineering.
  • To argue that genetic engineering is not intrinsically morally problematic due to unnaturalness.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of the term
  • natural
  • in two distinct senses.
  • Ethical evaluation of genetic engineering based on established medical procedure criteria.

Main Results:

  • The perceived unnaturalness of genetic engineering does not present a unique moral objection.
  • Distinguishing between morally acceptable and unacceptable uses of genetic engineering is possible.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic engineering's moral standing is not inherently compromised by its alleged unnaturalness.
  • Ethical judgments on genetic engineering should parallel those applied to other medical interventions.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachGenetics and ReproductionPhilosophical ApproachReligious Approach

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