Genetic Engineering Philosophical Paper Essay Example for Free

familial Engineering Philosophical Paper Essay genic Engineering DefinedWe function in a period of science breakthroughs and accomplishments. For over centuries now, science has been constantly pursuing its ambition to hold natures natural course inwardly its grasp. Perhaps champion field that stool fit this description is genetic engineering which is a laboratory technique to change the DNA of living organisms (What is Genetic Engineering). A good view of genetic engineering can perhaps be seen in the film Gattaca where unitary of the main characters, Vincent (played by Ethan Hawke), is non qualified to accept his genetic specify. Basing on his character, the film views how genetic engineering can affect an individuals self-esteem as well as how furthest it can push him to practice free will to fill this sense of emptiness.Effects of Genetic EngineeringAs to its effect on society, the movie shows how it serves as a solution in eliminating if not minimizing the conseque nces of genetic imperfection such as in-born diseases. In fact, some in like manner believe that genetic engineering can be beneficial not only with health and medicine unless as well as food, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. Even nowadays genetics know already made its benefits known by aiding in forensic investigations through DNA identification thus lessening the number of violent crimes (Genetic Engineering Benefits Society).However, thither can also be possible risks when relying on this field of science particularly with eugenics, or the selection the future makeup of children which could organize to the elimination of some somebodyal traits. Another risk would be in the usage of biotechnology before exploring other options in terms of reproduction. One example is implanting an egg from one woman into the uterus of another which might be hazardous if considered as a primary technique (Discovery Education Genetic Engineering)Perhaps one of the things that the coach of the movie Gattaca is trying to present is how genetic engineering can be a remedy or solution in altering human fate by making him somewhat more invincible. After watching the film, I saw this field of science as something that can affect a persons religious faith.This issue has been reinforced furthermore by the scene particularly during the birth of Vincent where he said, He never understood what possessed his nonplus to put her faith in Gods hands rather than those of her local geneticists. secondary to his rejection of the fact that he is too genetically imperfect to discover his dreams. As far as the film is concerned, this showed how genetic engineering can beget the potential to tolerate such human behaviors which can ultimately lead him to play God once he gets the chance instead of practicing self-acceptance and obscureness.Ethical Implications of Genetic EngineeringIt has an ethical implication especially when it comes to religion. Taking the views of the Church of Scotla nd for example, it states that although Christians have long regarded scientific research as a way of responding to Gods commands of filling the earth and subduing it from the first chapter of Genesis in the bible, it is but strategic to draw a line especially in the level of genetics as it is an alteration and manipulation of human genetics which is Gods single(a) rights only.Perhaps there would be exceptions such as issues that call for certain necessities like modifying pig nervuss and lungs in case of serious shortage of adequate human donor organs. However with or without the religious point of view, some practices of genetic manipulation can endanger the life of certain people if these argon not properly controlled or monitored especially since we do not hold enough knowledge in harmfully interfering with nature. Furthermore, this also distorts virtues like humility and creates erroneous perception of what people should be made up of physically in order to be happy (Are We Playing God?).The Swimming persuasion This particular scene in the movie gives a certain twist in the view of genetic engineering. Vincent was born with a 99% probability of heart disorder and so every snip they do the swim race when they were kids, he often got tired first and lost to Anton. But when they did it again when they were already grown ups, Anton lost the race and almost drowned. When Vincent shoot downed Anton in the swimming race for the first time, this ultimately showed the strength of human spirit and how it can defeat even the genetically superior. Apparently, it was as though Vincent was able to unconsciously imbibe self-confidence later on all those times he spent with the genetically-engineered individuals.Uma Thurmans Character Irene, Vincents love interest whom he met in Gattaca, is another perfect example of an individual who lacks self-confidence and spirit. Compared to Vincent, her genes are almost perfect if not for a certain heart condition. Perhaps it is due to the fact that Irene has also been a subject of comparison in Gattaca along with the pressures of being considered for a deputation to Titan (one of the moons of the planet Saturn) that she is made to focus on her imperfection although in fact it is smaller as compared with her superior qualities. If she were living in a company much normal than Gattaca, then there might be a greater chance for her to be happy and see her beautiful qualities. With regards to Irenes character, I think what the director is trying to show is that not even technology can answer for a persons search for self-fulfillment. Technology is also capable of deceiving people from seeing reality or from seeing what a person truly is. Irene fell in love with Vincent in the film but little did she know that he is no more than a mere trespasser in the space agency if not for the help of his friend Jerome, a genetically superior individual who was paralyzed by a car accident and gave his personal ident ity to Vincent.The Ending The movie had an amazing final result. After all the struggles and suspense, Vincent was amazingly able to pull everything off and made it to the space mission, defeating the majority of his genetically-superior colleagues in Gattaca and taking Jeromes identity with him. Jerome on the other hand, committed suicide. Jeromes tragic end is the saddest part of the movie. He has been completely consumed by his misfortune that he literally gave his life away. He just could not accept what has become of him and the identity that he lost from the accident was the only person he knew how to be, a winner. As to Jeromes suicide, this brought up an ethical issue that perhaps society cannot approve. erst again it goes against the views of religion virtually Gods prerogatives of the human life. Jerome willing his own death cannot be considered a rightful one for even though he had broken a spine or is out of money, his brain was still functioning well, he was speaking very well, and most of all he did not even lose his good looks from the accident so there could have been a chance for him to charm his way to love.According to an article about ethical issues related to life and death, a person only can have a self-imposed death if he has a terminal unsoundness and his physician proclaims certain death in the very near future wherein artificial bodily support is deemed useless considering the very short period of time left (Ethical Issues Related To Life And Death). The final scene was both puzzling and funny. There was the main character about to board the space mission and after successfully making it through several nerve-wracking genetic testing, his urine test finally revealed his true invalid identity. Yet for some strange reasons, the one in charge of this final step let him through after a brief sentimental conversation about his son being a big fan of Jerome a.k.a. Vincent.I cannot figure out whether to consider human compassion as a par t of this scene. But more importantly, what made the ending very significant is the overwhelming sense of triumph that the main character has brought with him after making to the mission and the great sense of relief that he was not apprehended despite revealing his true identity. The ending of the story gives out a message that no matter how much we go through or change ourselves, we can never lose the person that we truly are and even the best technology cannot take that away.ReferenceWhat is Genetic Engineering. Mothers for Natural Law. Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http//www.safe-food.org/-issue/ge.htmlAre We Playing God? Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy. Retrieved 11 February 2008 athttp//www.srtp.org.uk/genthpy1.htmManipCoates, J., Mahaffie, J., and Hines, A. 2007. Genetic Engineering Benefits Society. Retrieved 11 February 2008 athttp//encarta.msn.com/sidebar_461576345/Does_Genetic_Engineering_Benefit_Society_.htmlGenetic Engineering. Discovery Education. Retrieved 11 February 2008 athttp//school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/geneticengineering/Ethical Issues Related To Life And Death. Retrieved 11 February 2008 athttp//www.anabaptists.org/tracts/deathtrc.html