Biotechnology is a very important aspect of today’s world, as it is constantly helping the world evolve (1). Art is also a large part of it’s influence, as the two topics significantly affect each other.
(1)
When I was watching the video lecture (2) of this week, I was really surprised to find how controversial of a topic biotechnology is. I found the Green Fluorescent Bunny (3), genetically created by Eduardo Kac, to be somewhat cruel. Kac is a ‘transgenetic artist’, where he tries to work outside the ideas of the natural world and create pieces that are provocative.
(1)
I feel torn on the subject because I do understand that it is important work that these scientists are doing, and they are trying to find more and more research, however, I do not agree with using the lives of these animals in the name of art.
I find myself torn between the ethics of biotechnology on it in regards to human fetuses. I know that currently biotechnology has created genetic testing (4), which takes part of the placenta to test and see if any major mutations have occurred in the genes, to determine whether the baby will have any disorders. This can be helpful for parents to get a head start on preparing their lives for their child. However, there is also research being done towards something called designer babies (5). This would allow the parens of the child to ‘create’ their ideal child. I have ethical problems with this idea. I think that the flaws each of us have are a beautiful thing, and play a great role in creating understanding, humble, and respectful individuals.
Biotechnology is a very important field of study, and when it is incorporated with art it can be very helpful like with in-vitro fertilization, or harmful to society.
Images
(1)Biotechnology. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.
(2)Alba. Digital image. Http://www.ekac.org/albagreen.jpeg. N.p., n.d. Web.
(3)Genetic Baby. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.
Works Cited
(1)"Biotechnology." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 2015. Web. 09 May 2015.
(2)"5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 09 May 2015.
(3)"Eduardo Kac." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2015. Web. 09 May 2015.
(4)"Genetic Testing." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Ed. Larissa Hirsch. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Apr. 2014. Web. 09 May 2015.
(5)"What Is a Designer Baby?" What Is a Designer Baby? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 May 2015.
Hey Ashley! I am on the same boat as you. I feel torn about the ability of technology to do such crazy things like 'create' your ideal baby. While this is a great advancement in technology I also don't feel like it is the right thing to do. Our flaws are what make us who we are! The only way id see this as being ethically just, is if it can cure a serious for seen disability such as not being able to walk or being blind ect.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy how far technology has advanced!