Opinion on Genetic Engineering
In my opinion, genetic engineering is one of the key forces that will help humanity survive and live better lives in the future. Despite the proliferation of views against genetic engineering, I still believe that it can do more good than harm. Many people are already benefitting from it, and we cannot these benefits. Diabetic patients for example have been taking insulin to live longer. Note that the current insulin drug is prepared through genetic engineering. Nevertheless, I also believe that there should be strict rules on applying genetic engineering because I consider it a double edge sword that can also impede the progress of human civilization if used haphazardly.
Influences on Opinion
My view on genetic engineering is influenced by many factors. One of the most influential factors is secular education which introduced me to scientific studies. At present the majority of scientific studies support genetic engineering. It is only the conspiracy theories and some religious-based ideologies that go against genetic engineering. I cannot deny that my culture, which I acquired from my parents and grandparents also influence my views. For example, my grandparents are not as familiar as I am to genetic engineering; hence, they are against it. They think that genetic engineering is evil and it will end the world.
Reason for Variation in Opinion
The main reason for this difference between my perspective and my grandparents’ might be due to their adherence to religious beliefs; particularly, that life is sacred and it is only God who has the authority to change and use it the way he wants to. According to the concept in the first Chapter of “Lifespan Development, 7th edition” by Boyd and Bee (2015), the human concept of development was initially governed by religious beliefs about man’s original sin, which my grandparents believe in. I, on the other hand, have outgrown the need to rely too much on religious beliefs to judge things such as genetic engineering. At present, my mind is more inclined to believe scientific theories such as the theory of evolution, and other social, and modern philosophical theories as described by Boyd and Bee (2015).
Reference
Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2015). Lifespan development (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN 10: 0-13-380566-2.
