The Internal Frontier

Considering the advances in biotechnology over the past few decades, the reality of human genetic engineering is upon us. This technological frontier has sparked enormous controversy about the ethics of genetic enhancement. The possibility of engineering humans with preternatural capabilities is truly perplexing. 

As has become evident among athletes, the public does not appreciate "gene doping" as a legitimate means of advancing one's strength. It seems as if this tool for gaining a competitive edge results in unfairness as only a select few choose to indulge in the use of illicit steroids. If this means of strengthening oneself were to be legalized, however, many fear the consequences of the availability of natural enhancement per the free market. 

Extrapolating from the practical example of sports, cognitive enhancement therapies would offer genetic solutions to a wide range of learning disabilities, and also could serve as a means of producing genius babies. The fear regarding the free market has to do with the fact that these therapies will be privately funded and available, at least at first, only to the affluent. In this way it may happen that a wealthy elite will enhance their children to the point of speciation. 

A different way to approach the question of genetic enhancement illuminates possible social benefits of the technology. An ever widening disparity between the elite and the impoverished already exists. And each person's genetic endowment is largely left up to chance, remote even from the genetic makeup of one's parents. Perhaps genetic therapies could allow the fair redistribution of genes in order to level the playing field for those unable to compete in the free market. This vision seems to resemble a socialist utopia in which every person is genetically equal. 

Members of a capitalistic society might find this idea troubling. The notion of a meritocracy is deeply embedded in the culture of the United States, despite compelling evidence against this understanding of the "free" market. Although it may seem that each individual, endowed with natural rights protected by the Constitution, may compete fairly in our society, the reality of the situation is twofold: first, the wealth of one's family directly correlates with one's success in the educational system, and second, some individuals are born with greater talents than others. 

The second reality relates directly to the debate over genetic engineering, while the first is merely a side note on the unfairness of capitalism. The "genetic lottery" has an immense impact one's success or failure, so as far as I am concerned, some people are already "genetically enhanced." Could biotechnology further that disparity? Yes. But if our society, and the global community, resolves to use this powerful tool as a means of promoting the welfare of all rather than the select few, I believe a great amount of good could come of it.