Blog 4: The Ethics of Human Gene Editing

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/20/science/biologists-call-for-halt-to-gene-editing-technique-in-humans.html?_r=0

This article discusses the ethics of editing human genomes in ways that can actually alter people's physical looks and characteristics as well personalities. This process of editing genes can cure genetic diseases but also has the ability to enhance individual qualities. There was a new human genome editing technique invented in 2012 which essentially made it much easier to edit human genes with extreme precision. However, this has raised the question of whether it is ethical to alter humanity in future generations to ensure that we can control our genetic outcomes. Biologists in general support continuing research on the potential outcomes of this new technique, while ethicists are against it. Everyone agrees that countries must regulate this new scientific breakthrough to ensure it is not used in unethical ways. It is also important to note that humankind is supposed to improve the world and by using this genetic modification we would be able to ensure that future generations would be free of flaws. However, this sort of "playing god" is completely unethical. Governments must begin to regulate this new science before it is used in the wrong way.

Blog 3: Ethics of SeaWorld

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-bekoff/why-seaworld-cant-and-shouldnt-float-censorship-and-business-ethics_b_6768262.html

This article discusses two major ethical issues in the United States today. These two issues are intertwined as the relate to the use of animals in captivity and the proper disclosure of factual information. Specifically, the article discusses how SeaWorld claims to treat its animals as humanely and fairly as possible. However, at a recent conference for professionals in the world of animal captivity, SeaWorld requested that the conference not be recored. This seems like a major ethical violation as it makes clear that SeaWorld must have something to hide. Additionally, Dr. White, who is a specialist in animal behavior in captivity, described this move as a way to hide the criticism that it ultimately would face during the discussions. The issue of full disclosure has become one of constant discourse in today's political world. However, it is also critically important in corporations as well. SeaWorld violated its corporate ethics when it requested that the conference be private. In addition, it would appear that SeaWorld is violating animal rights ethics by keeping these mammals in captivity without proper humane support. Finally, Dr. White argues that SeaWorld's financial troubles are their own fault and that they are violating their duty to the shareholders of the company. He discusses the scientific discoveries of the last few years in which it became apparent that whales and dolphins cannot reach their full potential in captivity. He argues that this is the basis for the criticisms of SeaWorld's ethical mission.