Abstract
I examine the process and outcomes of animal genetic manipulation ('transgenesis') with reference to its morally salient features. I consider several objections to transgenesis. I examine and reject the alleged intrinsic wrongness of 'deliberate genetic sequence alteration', as I do the notion that transgenesis may lead to human genetic manipulation. I examine the alleged wrongness of killing inherent in transgenesis, and suggest that the concept of 'replaceability' successfully justifies such killing, although not for entities deemed to possess 'personhood'. I examine 'significant suffering' associated with transgenesis and propose the radical conclusion that, although it would be wrong to prohibit animal genetic manipulation per se, utilitarians ought to support a 'default prohibition' on transgenic experiments that entail significant suffering.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 55-71 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Bioethics |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2002 |
Keywords
- Transgenic animals