Kneen puts good arguments together to make his points, but also writes from a biased viewpoint, so his article should be used in conjunction with other writers who are not quite so biased. His claims that genetic engineering is the only way to increase production and reduce loss to pests seems like hyperbole. He looks to theology, not science, to determine how we should apply genetic knowledge.
Morse, Allison. 1998. "Searching for the Holy Grail: The Human Genome Project and Its Implications." Journal of Law and Health 13.
Morse explains the scope of the Human Genome Project, the extensive research project conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services.The author argues that scientific research is to some extent affected by the beliefs and biases of the researchers and is affected by cultural standards. She argues that human beings cannot accurately be reduced to their genes because outside forces act on those genes, and that accomplishing genetic alterations may be more difficult than the Human Genome Project might lead people to believe.
Potera, Carol. 2004. "Silent Advances." Environmental Health Perspectives 112.
This article looks at one specific way human genes might be manipulated. Some genes have the capacity to turn themselves off in the presence of the right proteins, providing a new way to influence how genes affect health. The article explains the genetic issues clearly enough that someone with a basic understanding of genetics can follow the gist of the article, and demonstrates that knowing where all the genes are is not enough, and that how the genes function can be complex. This relates somewhat to Fricker's point that we may not always understand all the
1997. "Genetic Engineering and Social Justice: A Rawlsian Approach." Social Theory and Practice 23.
This paper looks at theories of distributive justice, considering whether distributive justice should help equalize the innate differences between people and proposes that such increased equality between people might be one result of human genetic engineering. However, such an approach has a troubling history, having been attempted by Nazi Germany. The author looks at Rawls's Principles of Distributive Justice in detail. The arguments are sophisticated and complex and the intended audience is someone familiar with the issues discussed.
Robertson, John A. 1994. "The Question of Human Cloning." The Hastings Center Report 24.
Robertson attempt to put media reports in perspective, describing how very far developments in such things as genetic engineering and cloning are from the nightmare fictionall accounts we have seen in Brave New World, and more recently, in Jurassic Park. He presents a variety of scenarios where cloning might be used to control the genes of offspring for infertile couples. Robertson cautiously argues in favor of using cloned embryos to provide transplant organs for a sick sibling, and shows a bias toward what he considers to be responsible use of the technology.…
Harry Collins with Delta & Pine Land asserts that "protection systems" (the terminator seed) will "…help farmers in all areas of the world gain access to the most technologically advanced tools and products" allowing them to produce "more profitable crops" (Shand, 3). Collins goes on to insist that "traditional farming practices" -- using saved seeds to plant next season's crops -- brings "a gross disadvantage to Third World farmers" because
This is because of the various allergies, and antibiotic resistant plants and crops. However, arguments are now being made in favor of GE, and there is now evidence that it is possible to produce health as well as environmental benefits to man by the process of GE. Will GE be able to stop world hunger? It is now thought that GE food is necessary if the world were to
Genetic Engineering is a tool in the hands of man to break the species barriers to create a more productive and controllable world. This is a delicately balanced issue and unless we exercise enough restraint and responsibility we may end up endangering ourselves and all other forms of life. Genetic Engineering is the science of gene manipulation. Genetic information is specific to each and every organism in the world. Genetic Engineering
One of the most interesting articles, "Genetic Engineering Risks," really described the issue with GMOs: the difference between genetically engineered organisms and their non-engineered counterparts is usually just one gene or a handful of genes and genetically engineered organisms have new genes that are put into their DNA using molecular technology; they would not have been able to do this with traditional breeding methods. "Because such a small fraction of
Scientific and Political Aspects of Genetically Modified Foods While there is little controversy over many aspects of biotechnology and its application, genetically modified (GM) foods have become the target of intense controversy. This controversy in the marketplace has resulted in a firestorm of public debate, scientific discussion, and media coverage. The countries most affected by this debate are Middle Eastern and third world countries, who stand to reap the benefits of solving
This can contribute directly to human health and development (AgBio). Borlaug (1999), who won the Nobel Prize in 1970 for his work in developing high-yield wheat and other grains in third-world countries, stresses that genetic engineering is essential due to the worldwide population growth. Other organizations supporting genetically modified foods are the American Medical Association, the International Association of African Scientists, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and
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