The re-creation of man genetic testing, genetic selection or a new form of eugenics

Abstract

The Human Genome Project (HGP) has generated approximately US$800 billion in benefits since its inception in 1998 (DNAnews.org). Moreover, since recognizing the powers and advantages of genetics in 2003, whereby the HGP pronounced their long awaited end to human DNA mapping; the HGP's promotional focus has been on the contribution of such findings to human welfare. Still, in the absence of countervailing efforts, the same advances could be misused to such an extent that the start of a dehumanizing road towards what Lewis (1943) called "the abolition of man" is possible. It is the dangers associated with the misuse of genetics, particularly in the direction of eugenics that justifies this research study. Specifically, this research study seeks to identify a means by which an unambiguous distinction could be made between biotechnologies and eugenics, and how the inherent powers associated with genetic information should be exercised and by whom. This research study will therefore present arguments on the strengths, limits, and dangers of liberal biotechnologies from a perspective that Jurgen Habermas (2003) rightly and symbolically called "the future-present": bringing the future into the present to better understand the consequences of our choices for future generations. Habermas' arguments (2003) proceed from the idea that, although the eugenic applications of genetics are still at the far end of our future; there is always a residual risk that the geneticist goal is not to alter our society, but rather to alter the genetic foundations of human existence for which there would be no return. It is to this reason that Habermas' (2003) call for caution requires better conceptualization of how choices made today may affect the future of humanity.