Behavioural genetics: why eugenic selection is preferable to enhancement.
Criminal behaviour is but one behavioural tendency for which a genetic influence has been suggested. Whilst this research certainly raises difficult ethical questions and is subject to scientific criticism, one recent research project suggests that for some families, criminal tendency might be predicted by genetics. In this paper, supposing this research is valid, we consider whether intervening in the criminal tendency of future children is ethically justifiable. We argue that, if avoidance of harm is a paramount consideration, such an intervention is acceptable when genetic selection is employed instead of genetic enhancement. Moreover, other moral problems in avoiding having children with a tendency to criminal behaviour, such as the prospect of social discrimination, can also be overcome.
Savulescu
Julian
J
Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, St Ebbe's Street, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1PT, UK. julian.savulescu@philosophy.oxford.ac.uk
Hemsley
Melanie
M
Newson
Ainsley
A
Foddy
Bennett
B
D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000235:genetics; D035841:Behavioral Research / Q000941:ethics; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D041321:Chromosomes, Human, X; D003415:Crime / Q000517:prevention & control; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D005053:Eugenics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D033141:Genetic Determinism; D024861:Genetic Enhancement / Q000941:ethics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000941:ethics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics; D010290:Parents; D026706:Paternalism / Q000941:ethics; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics*; D011287:Prejudice; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics; D012743:Sex Preselection / Q000941:ethics; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control; D015974:Wrongful Life
D008995:Monoamine Oxidase