Genetic Engineering and Scientific Reasoning

Genetic Engineering and Scientific Reasoning

By David Fink

Open Ended

A relatively new form of biotechnology known as CRISPR has made it possible to edit the genes of almost any organism, including humans. Gene editing in humans could cure diseases and provide significant improvements in health, but many people strongly disagree with the practice. What do you think? Should humans alter their DNA?

Give your preliminary response below but don't submit before you have a chance to share your viewpoint.

Open Ended

Write as many questions as you can think of that may lead to a more informed response to the question of human genetic engineering (at least 4 questions).

Don't submit until you've had a chance to share out.

Testable (Investigable) Questions

Testable (investigable) questions are ones which can be answered through experimental inquiry and observation of the natural world. Questions that cannot be answered by direct observation or by evidence gathered through experimental inquiries (i.e., “why…” questions), are not testable (investigable) questions.

Open Ended

Rephrase your non-testable/non-investigable questions to make them testable/investigable.

Open Ended

Respond to the question again; should humans alter their DNA? Has your viewpoint changed at all after the discussion? Do you support ANY form of human DNA manipulation? If so, should any boundaries be placed on the practice? What should they be and who should decide?

If not, why not? How can you prevent the practice considering how widely available CRISPR is?