title: Genetic modification and genetic determinism.
abstract: In this article we examine four objections to the genetic modification of human beings: the freedom argument, the giftedness argument, the authenticity argument, and the uniqueness argument. We then demonstrate that each of these arguments against genetic modification assumes a strong version of genetic determinism. Since these strong deterministic assumptions are false, the arguments against genetic modification, which assume and depend upon these assumptions, are therefore unsound. Serious discussion of the morality of genetic modification, and the development of sound science policy, should be driven by arguments that address the actual consequences of genetic modification for individuals and society, not by ones propped up by false or misleading biological assumptions.
authors.affiliation: Bioethicist and IRB Vice Chair, NIEHS/NIH, Box 12233, Mail Drop NH06, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA. resnikd@niehs.nih.gov.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Resnik
authors.forename: Daniel B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Vorhaus
mesh_terms: D033141:Genetic Determinism; D024861:Genetic Enhancement / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011640:Public Policy