The Frankenstein Syndrome When the Gods are angry with you, they grant your wishes. = Overview What was the name of Frankenstein’s monster? Do you remember? Such thinking often comes to mind when the subject of genetic engineer- ing and cloning arises, it’s "that Frankenstein thing." When Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley penned her novel in 1818, little did she know how prophetic her tale about good and evil, and a creation that de- stroys its creator, would be. In 1984, D. F. Glut published a five- hundred-page volume entitled The Frankenstein Catalogue." This defin- itive piece of work, to my astonishment, listed over 2,666 works about Frankenstein, including 145 editions of Mary Shelley’s novel! Why, I asked has so much been written about Frankenstein? The answer, per- haps, lies in the uneasiness we feel in the deep regions of our souls when humankind tinkers with what nature has created. Like vintage dialogue from horror movies of long past, our inner voices reminds us: "There are certain things humans were not meant to do," and genetic Michael A. LaRocca, 1997 engineering and cloning, to many, are just such areas. This fear derives from the earliest biblical scripture, describing Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Perhaps we fear the human tendency to screw things up, as reflected in a gov- ernment poll revealing that 46 percent of the public believes "we have no business med- dling with nature." What do you think? Such a view derives from public perception that there is far too much horror awaiting us at the hands of the same science and technol- ogy monster that unleashed the atomic bomb." The tabloids cater to the Frankenstein anx- iety in all of us, spewing out weekly tales of environmental carnage, ozone wreckage, and freaks of nature, brought on by ill-conceived tinkering with what should only be the pre- serve of God. The Challenger space disaster, environmental havoc, and AIDS are all mis- guided human experiments, the tabloids say. Is there some middle ground for human- kind, science, and progress? Exactly what is Genetic Engineering and Cloning? First, it is important to remember that all living things are a marvelous mixture of commonality and uniqueness." Genetic engi- neering is the process of introducing new genes, never before incorporated in a particular animal or species, and passing them on to the next offspring. The process catapults what would otherwise take evolution and breeding thousands of years, if at all. This process can even bypass the wonder of fertilization. For example, cloning of a frog was done in 1968, and in 1993 a researcher cloned identical twins, though they were not gestated in vitro or in vivo.* In early 1997, a sheep was cloned from the DNA of a donor sheep. It was identical to the donor. What are more recent examples? Let us now return to our opening question. What was Frankenstein’s monster called? Well in fact, it had no name of its own. It took on the name of its creator, Victor Frankenstein. The message and inference seem clear. Those who would muddle and meddle with God and nature have a sacred obligation to assure no such monster or horror stalk humankind, lest they have their creation placed be- fore their feet, forever haunted by that monstrous being inheriting their name for all mil- lennia. What are some ethical concerns for genetic engineering and cloning? What role does Bio-ethics play in these decisions? What does this frontier ultimately offer us any- way? And, as we stand in the doorway of the 21st century, who shall decide?
The concept of genetic engineering and cloning often brings to mind the iconic tale of Frankenstein’s monster, a creation that destroys its own creator. The uneasiness surrounding these scientific advancements lies in humanity’s fear of tampering with nature, reminiscent of the biblical story of Adam and Eve. As we delve into the realm of genetic engineering and cloning, we confront ethical dilemmas and concerns, raising questions about the potential consequences and the role of bioethics in these decisions.
Genetic engineering involves introducing new genes into a living organism, expediting the evolutionary process by passing on these genes to the next generation. Cloning, on the other hand, aims to replicate identical genetic copies of an existing organism. These technological advancements allow scientists to manipulate nature and create new life in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The power and scope of genetic engineering and cloning bring forth numerous ethical concerns. One primary concern is the potential for unforeseen consequences. By altering an organism’s genetic makeup, we may inadvertently introduce unforeseen negative impacts on the environment or health.
Another ethical dilemma revolves around the question of playing God. Critics argue that meddling with nature challenges the sacred order and may lead to catastrophic results. The fear of a “Frankenstein’s monster” scenario haunts discussions about the responsible use of genetic engineering and cloning.
Bioethics plays a critical role in guiding decisions related to genetic engineering and cloning. It involves ethical principles and considerations that help address the implications of these advancements on human life, the environment, and society as a whole. Bioethics committees and experts must navigate the delicate balance between scientific progress and the preservation of moral values.
Genetic engineering and cloning offer unprecedented possibilities in various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation. They hold the potential to treat genetic diseases, increase crop yields, and preserve endangered species. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The challenge lies in ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly, ethically, and transparently.
As we stand on the threshold of the 21st century, the question of who shall decide the fate of genetic engineering and cloning looms large. It is a responsibility that must be shared among scientists, policymakers, ethicists, and society as a whole. Open dialogue and informed decision-making will be crucial in shaping the future of these groundbreaking technologies.
The Frankenstein syndrome, symbolizing the fear of playing God, underscores the importance of ethical considerations in the realm of genetic engineering and cloning. While these advancements offer remarkable possibilities, they must be approached with caution and an unwavering commitment to ethical principles. The decisions made today will shape the future of humanity and the natural world, and it is imperative that they are guided by the wisdom of bioethics and the collective responsibility of society.
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