From: Hal Finney (hal@finney.org)
Date: Mon Apr 29 2002 - 19:37:30 MDT
Here is a thought experiment presented in the form of a poll. I think
it offers insight into some of the ethical questions regarding genetic
engineering of human beings.
Background: A few years ago researchers found a way to make "genius" mice.
They added a gene for the formation of a protein called NR2B which is
involved with learning and memory. The resulting mice had cells which
were much more responsive to stimuli. They were nicknamed "Doogie" mice,
after the TV show Doogie Howser about a young genius doctor. In tests
the mice learned things more quickly and remembered them longer, both
signs of intelligence. A Scientific American article is at
http://www.sciam.com/2000/0400issue/0400tsien.html
Question 1:
Suppose you have recently gotten married and are getting ready to
have children. A group approaches you with a confidential offer.
They will perform an in vitro fertilization for you and add the NR2B
gene to the resulting embryo, re-implanting it for a natural childbirth.
The hope is that the resulting baby will be genetically engineered for
higher intelligence. As a known Extropian they hope that you might be
willing to volunteer for this procedure.
Your response is:
A. Yes, I want to proceed with the experiment.
B. I want to wait for more data.
We can subdivide B into some categories:
B1. I want to wait for more mouse tests to replicate the results.
B2. I want to wait for the results to be replicated in another animal
model like dogs or cats.
B3. I want to wait for the results to be replicated in a primate model
such as chimpanzees.
B4. I want to wait for the results to be replicated in human beings,
then I would be willing to go forward.
C. I would not agree to this procedure even if it had been proven in
humans.
Question 2:
If your answer to question 1 was B or C, then the question is what
limitations, if any, you think should be imposed on other people.
Should they be allowed to take answer A and proceed with the experiment
based solely on the mouse results? Or would they have to wait until it
was proven safe and effective in other animal models, or in human testing
(clinically supervised)? Where do you draw the line for other people?
Hal
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