Question 1

Suppose an animal is bred to have a significant number of human genes,to the point where experts wondered whether the creature was a person with full moral rights.To this question Mary Anne Warren would probably say that:

Accepted Answer

Mary Anne Warren's five criteria for personhood include consciousness, reasoning, self-motivated activity, communication, and presence of self-concept and self-awareness. The presence of human genes alone does not necessarily make the creature a person. Instead, it must possess all five criteria to be considered a person.

Question 2

Some argue that ________ could lead to social inequality and injustice,especially if only the rich could afford it.

Accepted Answer

Genetic enhancement, which involves altering genes to improve non-medical traits such as intelligence or physical appearance, could potentially create a society where only the wealthy can afford such enhancements, leading to social inequality and injustice. The rich may have access to resources that enable them to pass on genetic advantages to their offspring, further exacerbating existing inequalities. Genetic prevention, treatment of cancer, and malformations, on the other hand, are aimed at improving health outcomes and are not generally associated with such concerns about inequality.

Question 3

If gene doping were used on an athlete without his or her knowledge,that would be a violation of the:

Accepted Answer

Gene doping without an athlete's knowledge would violate the principle of autonomy, which concerns an individual's right to make their own decisions and not have things done to them without their informed consent.

Question 4

Some oppose the use of genetic enhancement on the grounds that:

Accepted Answer

Opponents of genetic enhancement argue that it is unethical to play God and manipulate the genetic makeup of humans. This ethical concern is a strong argument against genetic enhancement, even if it offers potential benefits.

Question 5

Experimental gene therapy was used on children who had "bubble boy disease." Most of the children responded well to the treatment,but one developed a form of leukemia (an expected result).What are some of the relevant considerations (moral and nonmoral)the researchers contemplated or should have contemplated in deciding to try the unproven treatment?

Accepted Answer

The researchers should have contemplated the risks to the children, the lack of effective treatments for the disease, and the principles of beneficence and autonomy. The right to an open future and the moral worth of each child are also relevant considerations, but they are captured within the principles of beneficence and autonomy. The opinions of nonmedical people and the right to happiness are not relevant considerations in this case.

Quiz 9: Altering Genes and Cloning Humans

Suppose an animal is bred to have a significant number of human genes,to the point where experts wondered whether the creature was a person with full moral rights.To this question Mary Anne Warren would probably say that:

Some argue that ________ could lead to social inequality and injustice,especially if only the rich could afford it.

If gene doping were used on an athlete without his or her knowledge,that would be a violation of the:

Some oppose the use of genetic enhancement on the grounds that: