How can I counter people that are against genetic engineering in a debate?
I’m doing a debate in science on the team "pro genetic engineering". I’m mainly focused on stem cells but except general answers as well. I need some questions that I can use to get the con side’s weakness. Any suggestions?
Point out the all domesticated animals and plants are the result of selective breeding which is a form of genetic engineering. That is, genetic engineering can be defined as the purposeful (to humans) selection of genes that are passed to the next generation. You can also point out the human sexual selection is also a form of genetic engineering because it also determines which genes are passed on. Of course, sexual selection is done by all animals, not just humans.
You can also point out the great success of human insulin created by bacteria in treating diabetes. Also, human growth hormone is produced by bacteria to treat infantile dwarfism. Both of these were created by Genentech.
The fundamental point is not that genetic engineering is good or bad. Like all engineering, it must be done with care. By analogy, you cannot condemn electrical power engineering in general. The electrical energy can be used to keep our homes comfortable as well as powering electric chairs.
Each bit of genetic engineering requires its own analysis.
Point out the all domesticated animals and plants are the result of selective breeding which is a form of genetic engineering. That is, genetic engineering can be defined as the purposeful (to humans) selection of genes that are passed to the next generation. You can also point out the human sexual selection is also a form of genetic engineering because it also determines which genes are passed on. Of course, sexual selection is done by all animals, not just humans.
You can also point out the great success of human insulin created by bacteria in treating diabetes. Also, human growth hormone is produced by bacteria to treat infantile dwarfism. Both of these were created by Genentech.
The fundamental point is not that genetic engineering is good or bad. Like all engineering, it must be done with care. By analogy, you cannot condemn electrical power engineering in general. The electrical energy can be used to keep our homes comfortable as well as powering electric chairs.
Each bit of genetic engineering requires its own analysis.
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I am a biologist and engineer.
Look up Norman Borlaug in Wikipedia, and what he stood for. There is a link to his Nobel prize anniversary address, in which he makes an absolutely compelling case for the use of genetic engineering. I’ll let you discover that for your self.
There are very real social and economic problems regarding genetically manipulated crops, but these also apply to conventionally developed proprietary varieties.
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AIDS
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[quote]Look up Norman Borlaug in Wikipedia, and what he stood for.[/quote]
thank you, this was very interesting read…
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No discussion necessary.. just sic your "Mutant Atomic Supermen" on them….
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Planet Express