Discussion The Ethics of Biotechnology

View one or more of the following Ted Talks about Biotechnology Ethics.

• It’s Time to Question Bioengineering (19:42) (Links to an external site.)– Bioethicist Paul Root Wolpe describes an astonishing series of recent bioengineering experiments, from glowing dogs to mice that grow human ears. He asks: Isn’t it time to set some ground rules?
• The Use of Cloning and Stem Cells to Resurrect Life (10:37) (Links to an external site.) – In this Ted Talk, Chief Scientific Office at Advanced Cell Technology and possessor the Institute for Regenerative Medical Wake Forest University School of Medicine discusses the cloning of cells (somatic cell nuclear transfer) and cell reporgramming (iPs).
• The Coming Trans-human Era (15:37) (Links to an external site.) – In this talk, IMSRV CEO and founder Jason Sosa connects the dots and takes you into the possible future of the trans-human era. He discusses the possibilities and the potential benefits.
• Stem Cells: The Hype and The Hope (12:57) (Links to an external site.) – Human regenerative medicine will succeed, the questions are when and how. In this talk, Dr. Srivastava’s discusses his research and hopes for human regenerative medicine.
• Technology Is Reinventing Humanity (11:38) (Links to an external site.) – In this talk, Jordan Nguyen explain his hopes for virtual copies of human beings. He explains research in progress and asks about the quandries that lie ahead.
• The Ethical Dilemma of Designer Babies (18:19) (Links to an external site.) – Creating genetically modified children is no longer a science fiction fantasy. In this talk, biologist Paul Knoepfler estimates that within fifteen years, scientists could use the gene editing technology CRISPR to make certain “upgrades” to human embryos. In this thought-provoking talk, Knoepfler readies us for the coming designer baby revolution and asks what the right path is for genetic modification and humans.

Thoughtfully reflect on the issues discussed in the talks that you have viewed and post a discussion response addressing the following points:

• What is the speaker’s point of view about the topic? Is the speaker biased?
• What ethical issues and ethical reasoning are argued?
• Do you think that bio-engineering issues have moral and ethical implications? Why or why not?
• Do you agree with the speaker’s point of view? Be specific and thorough. Express how and why you agree or disagree and discuss how ethics and values contribute to your opinion. Consider the theoretical concepts discussed in the course. Do not just state your viewpoint, rather provide relevant details to support your findings and/or position.