Should we embrace the advances of life science?
This question assumes that the advances of life science should be met with some level of skepticism, for fear that there are harmful drawbacks from the pursuit of life science. What are some of these implications? Life sciences here could refer to cloning; stem cell research; bioengineering; 3D organ printing etc.
Some arguments you can consider for this essay:
Alongside these advances of life science, science has also brought about technology that helps save human life. The kidney dialysis machine enables many people to survive kidney diseases that would once have proved fatal, and artificial valves allow sufferers of coronary heart disease to return to active living. Biochemical research is responsible for the antibiotics and vaccinations that protect us from infectious diseases, and for a wide range of other drugs used to combat specific health problems. As a result, the majority of people on the planet now live longer and healthier lives than ever before.
Science has also been used to develop technology that raises complex ethical questions. This is particularly true in the fields of biology and medicine. Research involving genetic engineering, cloning, and in vitro fertilization gives scientists the unprecedented power to bring about new life, or to devise new forms of living things. Religious people may think that such advances of life science is akin to “playing God”.
Such advancement of life sciences may serve to widen the gap between the haves and the haves-not, since they will only be available to the rich. Will technologies like designer babies be the right and privilege of only the rich? What kind of social issues will we be facing?
Ev: One should always be skeptical with regards to the new inventions of life science. There have been cases where life sciences have been misused by scientists for their own personal fame and prestige. E.g. Hwang Woo-Suk became infamous for fabricating research experiments (cloning). It would be unthinkable if the scientific community actually make use of this fabricated results. But overall, the advances of life science should be embraced as long as they seek to improve the quality of life of an individual and do not infringe on any ethical considerations.
