Genetic Technology and the Virtues: The Significance of Reason, Care and Accountability Open Access
Ertzberger, Andrew (Fall 2020)
Published
Abstract
Since the mapping of the human genome, it has been the aspiration of biological and medical science to determine the genetic basis of human potential and human fallibility. Like any new technology, gene editing provides opportunities and also creates challenges; legal, scientific, and ethical. Gene therapy is no different, and in many ways, bears uniquely challenging implications. The prospects of gene editing, whether in the form of Crispr or its counterparts, is a challenge that forces us to respond promptly not only as those who value science, innovation, and progress, but as a species which places value in the ideal of human flourishing and expression of good character. Within this debate, this thesis will attempt to carve out a framework for accessing the ethics of genetic technology from the perspective of virtue ethics; an alternative to both the deontological and consequentialist approaches that have dominated much of practical ethics. In this thesis, I describe three central virtues which are relevant to the development and usage of genetic technology: practical reason, care, and civic integrity. Reflections on these virtues will contribute to our understanding of who we should be and what should guide our decision making so we can remain ethically vigilant in the face of emerging technology.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Ethics and Genetic Technology: Some Initial Positions…………………………
Structure of the Thesis……………………………………………………………………...
I. Crispr Cas-9 6
Brief History of Genetic Innovation…………………………………………………..
Development Of Crispr Cas-9……………..…………………………………………....
Aspirations for Genetic Technology…………………………………………………..
II. Virtue Ethics: An Ethical Methodology 15
Routine or Radical Virtue Ethics?..…………………………………………………...
Significance of Virtue and Character………………………………………………....
Virtue Ethics and Decision Making……..…………………………………………....
III. Practical Reason 31
John Dewey and Dramatic Rehearsal…………………………………................
Nussbaum, Aristotle, and Moral Particularity …..……………………………...
IV. Dependency, Fallibility, and Care 55
MacIntyre: Dependency and the Virtues…………………………………………..
Garland-Thomson and Preserving Disability…………………………………....
Kittay and Care Ethics…………………………………………………………………….
Care and Virtue……………………………………………………………………………..
V. Historical Accountability 79
Walker on Accountability……………………………………………………………….
Civic Integrity as a Virtue……………………………………………………………….
Genetic Innovation and the Shadow of Genetics……………………………….
Conclusion 93
Further Reflections.……………………………………………………………………….
About this Master's Thesis
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