Scientific Discoveries: Good or Bad?

In A Measure of Restraint, Chet Raymo calls attention to the potential dangers of "the unexamined quest for knowledge", citing the story behind Radium. While we have much more knowledge about radioactivity than we did then, the current scientific excitement and concern is all about DNA.

Nearly everything in our supermarkets is genetically modified or contains GMO ingredients. Supporters say that genetic modification allows plants to repel insects, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides, or that it lets food to be grown in places where it normally couldn't, helping to solve world hunger. Opponents argue that while it sounds good, messing with nature may have unforeseen consequences later.

Some scientists are trying to extend human lifespan or even try to make humans immortal. Again, it sounds wonderful - how great would it be to get to know your great-great-grandparents in person? But there is always another side. If people are living longer, will the earth be able to sustain that? And shouldn't we be focusing on providing resources to people in third world countries before we try to extend our own?

Then there's gene editing in humans. This would allow doctors to detect diseases in the womb and replace the mutated DNA with the correct sequence. This would be revolutionary, eliminating cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, and so many more diseases. It would save lives. But how long until parents are able to decide their child's hair color, height, skin color, sex, intelligence.....? And if someone doesn't have the popular characteristics, will they be regarded as lower class, not members of the elite group of designer babies????


While these may sound like extremes, they are possible. Don't get me wrong: science is amazing and scientific discoveries have improved countless lives. But if science isn't practiced with some amount of restraint, it could trigger a chain of unforeseen consequences.

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