Sometime back not so long ago, nothing much was known about genetic engineering or genetic manipulation except in the context of research laboratories. The opposite though can be said about evolution because it has been a subject that has received a huge coverage as people more especially scientists have wanted to prove the fact that evolution is real in an effort to curb other explanations that seek to bring forth the origin of life of different organisms (Reiss & Straughan1996). That said the two today have become a common currency from all circles including those who are in support of them as well as those who are against. This is so because they have a potential of changing lives more than any other scientific advancements. They have drawn much support from biologists and scientists while receiving criticisms from moral and ethical circles.
All living organisms carry within themselves genes which contain coded messages that carry information. This information is normally about the chemicals that are within an organism that make it possible for it to survive and reproduce. And genetic manipulation in regard to this revolves around moving these coded messages from one organism to another. An example in point is that of removing genes from a species of animals to another and the end result is normally a situation whereby the species that receives the coded information is able to function just like the other species. Scientifically this is a breakthrough of some sort because a species can be modified to have some characteristics and attributes that it lacked in the first place thereby making it more likely to function better in the environment in which it is in and thus improving nature (Hodge 2009).
It is also to have in mind the fact that genetic manipulation offers a solution to some of the problems seen in the world today, at least from a scientific point of view. In order for any species to undergo evolution, genetic manipulation has to take place so as to enhance mutations. Many of the mutations that occur naturally do not survive; man’s hand in it offers a solution. Without mutation, the genes will stagnate therefore posing a problem to the survival of species and evolution will definitely stop. This does not only help plants and other animals other than man, in fact man stands out to be the greatest beneficiary of genetic manipulation and evolution. This is so because it does enhance good and healthier lives more especially to people who may have had genetic problems that hinder good and healthy living.
It is therefore easy to see and understand the benefits of genetic manipulation in the context of the planet where we are living in. An animal or plant that may be faced with severe problems and which stands major issues that may lead to extinction can be modified to suit the environment and avoid extinction and this in a way can be seen as evolution. The possible advantages of genetic manipulation and revolution therefore lead to a situation where humans can retain any plant or animal that stands the chance of extinction. This reversal is therefore very important the circles of technological advancements as this is the only way through which science can prove that it is beneficial to mother earth.
This notwithstanding, it is inevitable the negativity that genetic manipulation and evolution raises. In as much as there are clear advantages that are to the good of humanity and planet earth, there are those who think that this is wrong. First the negative argument is based on the morality of the practice. In a society that there is always criticism on absolutely everything, it does not come as a surprise that some people think that this is morally wrong. This argument is put forth by those who think on spiritual and religious grounds because they say that this is a question of challenging God, who they believe is the creator of all living organisms. On grounds of morality, it is said that it is morally wrong to also go against societal norms to create beings and organisms out of others because the act and the product is not original.
A lot of criticism on the issue of evolution also arises from the religious quarters because the story of evolution through the eyes of religion is a creation of mankind to question the authenticity of religious belief. The debate goes on to put to question how man, more so the Darwinian theory can be authentic because ever since the story came up, no evolution seems to have taken place whatsoever save for maybe genetic manipulation which seems to bring forth different organisms from the original one therefore pitting evolution and genetic manipulation as just a creation of man scientifically (Reiss & Straughan1996). From this kind of argument it is therefore clear that a section of people do not buy these scientific stories but instead discredit and question them.
The ethical point of view cannot just be ignored when it comes to this subject of evolution and genetic manipulation. The ethical concerns however question the validity of the practice. This way, ethics plays a crucial role in influencing as well as determining public attitudes towards this subject because then, society is able to understand whether the scientists and biologists have the moral as well as the ethical authority to go on with the practices (Mayr 2001). These attitudes have a very huge effect upon the perceptions people have about practices and this will then lead to a situation where the practices are questionable and therefore being regarded as not as good or that they may not be worthwhile. Perceptions are paramount in seeing and interpreting genetic manipulation and evolution and it is from this angle that critics find a lee way through which they question the whole issue.
All this does say something about genetic manipulation and evolution, that it has its share of critics as well as supporters. When all matters are held constant and the whole topic looked at from a sober perspective, resistance to science will be considered very illogical. Genetic manipulation and also evolution offer solutions to problems that have been around for quite some time and shunning them will be very unfair. What is more the fact that the benefits realized are way more beneficial than the ethical and moral issues raised about them. It is imperative that the whole topic be approached with an open mind so as to accommodate the positive benefits that come with it but with a keen eye to factor in the negative responses raised by a section of the populace. This way, amicable solutions will definitely be arrived at and genetic manipulation and evolution will not be seen as a monster but as a solution to long term problems.
References
Hodge, R. (2009). Genetic engineering: Manipulating the Mechanisms of life. New York: Infobase
Mayr, Ernst. (2001). What Evolution Is. New York, New York: Basic Books.
Reiss, M. J. & Straughan, R. (1996). Improving Nature? : The science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
