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Open to Debate

Should We Prohibit Genetically Enginereed Babies?

Open to Debate

Open to Debate

Education, News, Society & Culture

4.62.2K Ratings

🗓️ 22 February 2013

⏱️ 51 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Imagine a world free of genetic diseases, where parents control their offspring’s height, eye color and intelligence. The science may be closer than you think. Genes interact in ways that we don’t fully understand and there could be unintended consequences, new diseases that result from our tinkering. But even if the science could be perfected, is it morally wrong? Would it lead to eugenics and a stratified society where only the rich enjoy the benefits of genetic enhancement? Or would the real injustice be depriving our children of every scientifically possible opportunity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

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0:30.0

So most of us would do almost anything for our kids to help them be their best, to help them get ahead.

0:39.0

But what if even before they were born, we could go in and alter their genes in such a way to give them an even greater advantage, to give them strength against illness and disease, to make them smarter or taller or prettier.

0:54.0

Well, that world is coming. Who's tempted and who is horrified?

1:00.0

Yes or no to this statement prohibit genetically engineered babies.

1:06.0

A debate from intelligence squared US. I'm John Donovan. I will be moderating as the four superbly qualified debaters you see on the stage.

1:14.0

Argue four and against this motion. Two against two. Prohibit genetically engineered babies.

1:21.0

As always, our debate goes in three rounds and then the audience votes to choose a winner and only one side wins.

1:29.0

Let's meet our debaters arguing for the motion prohibit genetically engineered babies, Sheldon Kremsky.

1:35.0

And Sheldon, you are a professor at Tufts University and Chair of the Council for Responsible Genetics.

1:43.0

Your very first book in this area was published in 1982. It was a social history of what was then considered a very, very controversial new technology gene splicing, which could lead to the mistake that you are a geneticist, but actually you are a philosopher.

1:59.0

A philosopher of science and ideal with issues of ethics and also contested issues in science and of course genetics provides great material.

2:09.0

Okay, and your partner is? My partner is Professor Robert Winston.

2:13.0

Ladies and gentlemen, Robert Winston.

2:16.0

Robert, you are a professor of science and society at Imperial College London, who not only did groundbreaking work in fertility studies, but also in the field of freedom, plantation genetic diversity.

2:28.0

You have also very often been a TV host. You are an award winning theater director and very recently you were the star of a reality television show in which you learned to play the saxophone set out to play the saxophone.

2:45.0

So if we brought a sax out right now, you could blow a few notes for us. I would prefer the clarinet, I think clarinet. Ladies and gentlemen, the team arguing for the motion.

2:55.0

Again, our motion is prohibit genetically engineered babies. The two debaters arguing against it. Let's welcome, ladies and gentlemen, Nina Farahani.

...

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