Clons

Genetic technology, in specific, enhancement, would greatly improve one’s ability to be free. The positive arguments that can be made regarding this subject are many. However, in order to understand the impacts genetic technology will have on human freedoms, one must determine the meaning of freedom. Using the categories of freedom developed by Mortimer J. Adler, one can argue the numerous benefits of genetic technology and enhancement. These freedoms include Circumstantial Freedom of Self-Realization, Acquired Freedom of Self-Perfection, and Natural Freedom of Self-Determination.
For example, Circumstantial Freedom of Self-Realization is dependent on one’s given circumstances. Man has a will -- a specific power with a distinctive activity. Decisions are made in order to attain the value which is believed to possess the greatest amount of realizable good under the prevailing circumstances. Genetic technology, in the way of enhancement, could improve one’s situation by extracting limiting attributes, both physical and mental. Debilitating diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer could be eliminated before birth. Also, one could be given features and/or abilities that he or she would not have been given naturally, such as strength or mental ability. Thus, through this process, one’s ability to gain Circumstantial Freedom of Self-Realization would be greatly improved.
Second, one’s Acquired Freedom of Self-Perfection could also be further assisted through genetic enhancement. This freedom can be defined as one’s freedom to seek and attain their maximum potential or to be the best person one could possibly be. Bosanquet, a nineteenth century philosopher, refers to this as one’s true self. The abilities and attributes given to one through genetic enhancement, along with the extraction of debilitating features could provide the means necessary to lead an easier life. This in turn would allow the person more time and energy to devote to their self-realization and...