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Debate Score:14
Arguments:10
Total Votes:14
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 Should humans drive their own evolution? (10)

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Should humans drive their own evolution?

Genetic Engineering

Should we sculpt humanity through genetic engineering and mercy killings (this is where you decide that someone is not worthy of being alive and you say, "Sorry" before taking them out)?

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2 points

It sounds like this debate is about the relative merits of Eugenics. Per Wikipedia:

"Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention."

The forms of intervention are disturbing to think about in modern terms. They include: involuntary sterilization, genetic screening, birth control, segregation, forced abortions and, ultimately, genocide.

Eugenics has been practiced in many countries, including the United States. Thankfully, the philosophy fell out of favor after World War II.

Eugenics is wrong because it inevitably leads to measures that are unethical. Also, it would result in the loss of genetic diversity among humans.

Supporting Evidence: The Scary Eugenics Logo (upload.wikimedia.org)
Side: Eugenics Bad

Hey is Eugenics the root of Scientology? 'Cause I don't want to be associated with Tom Cruise. He's a nut. Well, a different kind of nut than I am. I'm like an off the wall nut (or a walnut for short). Tom is harder to describe because he's not your garden variety type nut.

But I get your point. Maybe we can speed up evolution through genetic engineering. So long as we don't kill anyone.... Can we still take out pedophiles though?

Side: Eugenics Bad
Pothead(34) Disputed
2 points

I don't think pedophilia is genetic.

Side: Eugenics Bad
2 points

Humans have been driving their own evolution longer than we have records of our history. We select mates for traits we feel are better. We raise our kids to be selectable by worthy mates. We choose the foods we eat and the environments we live in. All these factors contribute to evolution and genetic mutations.

If we weren't driving our evolution we'd automatically mate with the first fertile human who crossed our path. Admittedly some folks are like that, but society and culture prohibit such things in an attempt to control whose genes get passed on.

When it comes to killing off those with 'less desirable' traits--of course that is wrong. What is less desirable changes with the times and societies. For example, just a couple hundred years ago heavier women were considered beautiful, and now society prefers fat-free ladies. Just one of many examples of how we affect our own evolution.

HOWEVER, I must agree that we can do things to better ourselves and those around us. For example, I support chemical castration of rapists, murders, and pedophiles.

Side: Always have

OK, you guys shamed me into it. Killing is wrong. But can we still have abortions? I mean, what happens if after a one nighter you end up pregnant and you realize that you don't want to pass on that guy's genes because (lets face it, it was a nighter and besides) he didn't call back when he said he would.

Side: Eugenics Bad
2 points

Aren't we already by giving Gays the legality to become married? Soon enough, although I've heard its already started, we are going to be looking for ways to give men the ability to carry a baby! If that isn't driving our own evolution then what is? [;

Side: Always have

Just think about it! Even if we don;t do genetic engineering, we can take out the people that we don't like and create a Utopia world. I mean that's what the Brits did. They took all their criminals out to Australia and then they (the Australians) created Utopia right there.

Side: Brits - I'm just kidding

Genetic Engineering will not only be a reality, it will be an actuality.

Side: read the fine print
1 point

It's inevitable as shown by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Supporting Evidence: Evolution as Described by the Second Law of Thermodynamics (www.physorg.com)
Side: second law of thermodynamics
1 point

I think that mandating eugenic practices would be despicable; however, if individuals make a personal choice not to have children if they have genetic disorders, or are carriers, more power to them. It's great if individuals make the choice on their own to not spread Huntington's or other diseases, but no one should be forced to not procreate.

Side: Eugenics Bad