Ethics & Genetic Engineering

Abstract

Scientific development has developed a new field of research in genetic engineering, because of the novelty of the methods used in this field; the traditional morality is not able to provide the necessary tools to their ethical evaluation. In this paper we have studied the benefits of genetically engineered pets together with potential risks and hazards. Moreover, this paper studies and evaluate whether it is ethical acceptable to genetically modify pets to suit human desires. Furthermore, we have studied the concept of genetic engineering and its results on ethical grounds with respect to ethical theories and arguments of ethicists. In addition, we have drawn conclusion about the technology of genetic engineering with respect to ethics and morality. In this study we try to explore the concept of “Genetic engineering in animals” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “animal gene modification” and its relation with “ethical aspects of genetic engineering of pets”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “genetic engineering” and tries to gauge its effect on “society, health and animal welfare”. Ethics and Genetic Engineering of Pets

Thesis Statement

“Although genetic engineering has bought in a wide range of benefits to animal life, but it is unethical to genetically modify our pets.”

Introduction

Background

Genetic engineering is a modern technology in the field of medical science. Animals are genetically altered to develop scientific breakthrough in production of foods and human healthcare. Moreover, this technology has brought in huge profits for the pets retail industry, human healthcare and food production. In addition, genetic engineering is profitable for the prevention of endangered species from extinction. However, due to all the economic and scientific advantages of genetic engineering of animals, its ethical implication risks cannot be overlooked. It is important to consider the ethical and economic interest for the valuation of merits of genetic engineering in animals.

Animals are genetically manipulated for the protection of endangered species and injured animals. It is not beyond our belief that as the agricultural products become more reactive to social pressures related to detention of animals, it seizes upon the genetic manipulation as a tactic to enhance the fit of animal to the environment so as to minimize their suffering. It is also a fact that provided with the embryonic states of information of the relationship between behavior and genes; there is limited knowledge of pain, behavior, suffering etc. in animals (Anthes, 2013). Therefore, it is more likely that psychological dimensions related to welfare, unhappiness and happiness are correlated with variety of genes (Resnik, 2012).

Although genetic engineering provides a wired range of ethical dilemma, but there are several benefits in case, the genetic engineering becomes reality. Moreover, genetic engineering provides the capability to alter the nature of environment in which we are well suited to live (Young, 2011). In this paper we will discuss the ethical and moral aspects of genetic engineering in animals.

Purpose of the Study

This research studies a wide range of benefits of genetic engineering together with the ...