ETHICAL CONCERNS
Synthetic Biology (creation of novel biological systems), despite its glorious success has drawn the attention of bioethicists. They are in the pursuit of finding the fine line between ethical and unethical creation. The timeline of biotechnology reveals the augmented power of humans over nature, from selective breeding to rDNA technology.
Synthetic biologists are hoping to create synthetic genomes by sewing shorter sequences together. In the year 2008, Venter’s group successfully developed a full bacterial genome and in the year 2010, they were successful in synthesizing the 1st bacterium capable of replicating with a synthetic genome. Henceforth, there’s been staggering progress. Some synthetic biologists are attempting to find a re-definition of life.
Two new bases were developed besides the known four bases, suggesting the creation of DNA with unusual features. Progress in Synthetic Biology has brought hope in the field of cancer as targeted-delivery treatments using bacteria are within the realms of possibility. Bioethicists have raised three ethical concerns.
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To take the edge off of the argument of ‘playing God’, a plausible claim has been brought in. Design and creation of life de novo involve usurping God’s position and being insensitive to human limitations but they can be defended on the reasoning that they will enhance the quality of life if, necessary precautions are taken.
This therefore will be consistent with God’s intention. The argument of ‘Organisms or machines’ is still underway and the need for attention to the moral status for synthetic biological entities is limited. The argument of ‘misuse of knowledge’ is a worry amongst the public and is death-dealing. Bioethicists are drawn to set protocols on when information is safe to be out in the public.
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‘Reasonable risk’ strategies are embraced to find the fine line between ethical and unethical creation. Three approaches make-up the strategy – A laissez faire approach, requirement for consideration and requirement for independent consideration.
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On the issue of acceptance of Synthetic biology, the scientific community and ELSI (Ethical, Legal, Social Implications) surrounding the three concerns are caught in conflicting arguments. Agreement could be drawn if a dialogue could be initiated between the advocates of the three concerns over the dual-use dilemma and a consensus is arrived at, on its implication.
The dilemma could be mitigated or eliminated by reasoning out the good and harmful ways of the synthetic biology items. However, the three concerns are rooted in differing ideologies where arriving a common platform would be difficult despite the fact that synthetic Biology improves living standards. Research could be undertaken without affecting the fundamentals of ELSI on biological formulations and principles.
