Pros And Cons Of Eugenics

There has been a massive shift in the perception of eugenics from these events to now. Eugenics is now known as a pseudoscience with genetic science becoming more and more prevalent. Historical events, like those in the US and Germany were vital in making this positive shift, however, the biggest turning points are the increase of knowledge and biotechnology that is accessible, the change of control from the state back to the individual and a shift in the perception of those considered “unfit”. Each of these are as important as the other, changing the control has allowed all individuals to reclaim their bodies in the medical industry, despite race, gender, sexuality and health. Knowledge and biotechnology has allowed for a greater understanding
As knowledge and technology increases so does power. Those that can afford to use biotechnology will, and those who cannot afford will be left powerless. Therefore the rich become richer and the poor will be disadvantaged. There is also fear that, just as it has in the past, the power will shift back from the individual to that state in order to manage the populations size and health in a very utilitarian approach. Although eugenics in the sense of the word is now nonexistent, many modern genetic practices can be regarded as similar or the same for instance “Prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion of fetuses with malformations or genetic disease can be considered an earlier phase of the same philosophy (German euthanasia of children with congenital defects)- namely, the elimination of lives not worth living (Tormey 1976).” Another issue regarding prenatal alteration is that of designer babies and the similarities this has to historically superior races influenced by eugenic ideologies. Genetics as a science is a historical scientific breakthrough that has changed the world, “but it also unleashed criticism, ranging from moderate philosophy to doomsday prophecy. Some scenarios were of the stuff of science fiction: human clones, androids, cyborgs, super-intelligent-strong-creative humans, post-humans, a world divided into a genetically enhanced elite and genetically deprived poles etc. There is talk of a loss of “human hood” and the human meaning of life, of scientists “playing God” — of interfering with nature, of being morally unconcerned with the social consequences of their research.” (Agar, 2004). Genetics presents many controversial and ethical issue for the future that resonate with many historical events and