originally posted in:Psykana Librarius
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[b]Topic 1: EUGENICS[/b]
For everyone's convenience, here is a dictionary definition of the subject:
[quote]Eugenics:
The science of improving a human population by controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics. Developed largely by Francis Galton as a method of improving the human race, it fell into disfavor only after the perversion of its doctrines by the [url=http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law]-godwinslaw!-[/url].[/quote]
Eugenics is a very hotly debated subject. The "word on the street" where I live is that people largely agree that those with serious medical defects shouldn't pass on those genes, but people hesitate to say at what point someone is considered unfit.
[b]Discussion guide:[/b]
What do you think about controlled breeding?
How do we decide if someone is genetically defective/what sort of arbitrary bar do we use to measure them?
[b]Topic 2: GENETICS[/b]
As our understanding of biological science continues to fly forward at an incredible rate, we are suddenly facing a future in which we can genetically modify our offspring to be better than us, or to have desirable traits.
[b]Discussion guide:[/b]
What are the ramifications of genetics research and modification?
Do you support genetics research?
If you had a disease, and the money to do so, would you have your offspring modified to not posses the disease?
This is a public post for the sake of gathering input from people outside of the Psykana Librarius, please be respectful and calm. A ninja is on standby, so behave.
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Edited by Progo: 4/16/2015 5:55:37 PM[quote]What do you think about controlled breeding?[/quote] I like it in high-risk populations, an example of a proper implementation is [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_genetics_of_Jews#Genetic_testing_in_Jewish_populations]this[/url]. [quote]How do we decide if someone is genetically defective/what sort of arbitrary bar do we use to measure them? [/quote] Since research into a full guide to the genetics of a healthy human is still ongoing, I would say we can only remove reproductive rights on grounds that a person is at high risk of having offspring with a mortal or painful condition. I am in favor of genetic modification of the embryo to remove the traits, so long as the parent will be a fit parent. (ie. a healthy person who is recessive marries another healthy heterozygous recessive). [quote]What are the ramifications of genetics research and modification? [/quote] We are at an incredible time for biological science, I easily see genetic research and procedures resulting in both fantastic treatments and augmentations, but also a lot of moral murky waters... [quote]Do you support genetics research?[/quote] Yes. I think we are now meant to take evolution into our own hands, and improve ourselves, and maybe even other species. [quote]If you had a disease, and the money to do so, would you have your offspring modified to not posses the disease?[/quote] Yes. I already intend to have a cardiovascular tissue disorder altered in my offspring. I also would love to be able to make the very best genetic traits from my wife and I have expressed in our children. Ie. my perfect teeth and xxMLGProEyeSightmxx, but not my scrub-tier pollen allergies.