GENETIC ENGINEERING: EFFECTS
Possibility of the creation of Super-Humans
The possibility of
someone or some government utilizing the new tools of genetic engineering to
create a superior race of humans must also be considered. We need to emphasize,
however, that we simply do not know what genetic factors determine popularly
desired traits such as athletic ability, intelligence, appearance and
personality. For sure, each of these has a significant component that may be
available for genetic manipulation, but it's safe to say that our knowledge of
each of these traits is in its infancy.
Even as knowledge
of these areas grows, other genetic qualities may prevent their engineering. So
far, few genes have only a single application in the body. Most genes are found
to have multiple effects, sometimes in different tissues. Therefore, to engineer
a gene for enhancement of a particular trait--say memory--may inadvertently
cause increased susceptibility to drug addiction.
However,
in perhaps another century or so, many of these unknowns may be anticipated and
engineering for advantageous traits becomes possible. Edward
O. Wilson, a Harvard entomologist, believes that we will soon be faced with
difficult genetic dilemmas. Because of expected advances in gene therapy, we
will not only be able to eliminate or at least alleviate genetic disease, we may
be able to enhance certain human abilities such as mathematics or verbal
ability. He says, "Soon we must look deep within ourselves and decide what
we wish to become." As early as 1978,
Surprisingly,