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Quote by: Electric Hermit  1)Who knows what crucial genetic material you may be denying to future generations. And this is the whole point. You presume to know which bits of the genetic matrix are worthy and which are not. In fact, there is no way to know. The complexity of this matrix is such that it is not possible to predict what will be the long-term effects of "breeding out" some component.
2)The key to the success of the human species is its diversity. So far, our genes have not encountered any challenge in the environment which they could not cope with. It may be that they will have met their match in some eugenicist over-endowed with the tools of 21st century science and under-endowed with humility. |
1)That’s the beauty of genetic engineering-if something is lost, or needed, it can just be recreated/created.
2) I disagree. Only some genetic traits within that vast array of diversity were necessary for our success. The others are just a fifth column. Name one benefit derived from a predisposition to alcoholism or obesity for example(both of which I have).
Also, as Yarn said, Homo Sapiens is peculiar among the Animal Kingdom in that there is paticularly little genetic diversity among us on account of the Toba Catastrophe. Which pretty much debunks your “diversity is the reason for success” argument.
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Quote by: Gods_Mercenary Another point, it is better to be less than perfect and diverse than only adapted for a specific niche, especially if its self adapted. |
Once again, genetic engineering can readapt us to another niche within a ganeration- faster then natural processes can. Plus, efficiency need not come at the cost of flexibility- genetic engineering is not limited like natural evolution is.
In any case, technology can overcome those few difficulties a genetically engineered creature would face in terms of flexibility.
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Quote by: Gods_Mercenary 1)In which case I expect you to be taking out a steak knife and ending the off chance of procreation right now. In keeping with your principles, its not alright to leave the possibility of a new generation of undesirables to come into being based on the decision making of an already genetically inferior person. |
Trust me, theirs absolutely no chance of me ever reproducing.
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Quote by: Electric Hermit Or just a decent human being. I'd settle for that. |
Why settle for something when better can be achieved?
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Quote by: Piscean If ever there is truly good education in Africa during your lifetime you'll see some very smart peeps rise up and do great things (including high IQ test scores). |
I’m not denying that… I just think we’ll see a significantly lower percentage then among whites and Asians.