Richard Dawkins laments the irrational taboo against human enhancement: The spectre of Hitler has led some scientists to stray from ought to is and deny that breeding for human qualities is even possible. But if you can breed cattle for milk yield, horses for running speed and dogs for herding skill, why on earth should it be impossible to breed humans for mathematical, musical or athletic ability? Objections such as These are not one-dimensional abilities apply equally to cows, horses, and dogs, and never stopped anybody in practice. I wonder whether, sixty years after Hitlers death, we might at least venture to ask what is the moral difference between breeding for musical ability, and forcing a child to take music lessons. Or, why is it acceptable to train fast runners and high jumpers, but not breed them? I can think of some answers, and they are good ones which would probably end up persuading me. But hasnt the time come when we should stop being frightened even to put the question?
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:00:51 +0000
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