Dialogues - Ethics

Question 1

Buddhism on cloning and genetic engineering (karma)

Answer 1

• no divine creator that GE offends –> no soul that is made in God’s image
• no reproductive/creation implications so theologically allowed
• karma of clone not the same as host –> twins differ karmically even if genes are identical
• karma is not deterministic: does not cause cloning; contemplating causes of cloning –> parable of the poison arrow
• Buddha: clone is not enlightened –> enlightenment is spiritual not genetic

Question 2

different buddhist views on GE projects

Answer 2

• germ line therapy: changing structure of reproductive cells, illegal in UK –> designer babies go against ahimsa, right action but PGD can promote ahimsa (keown)
• saviour sibling: dana –> destruction of other embryos proves problematic, psychological harm of sibling is living
• somatic cell therapy: genetic therapy that eradicates genetic diseases –> positive karma increases as dukkha decreased = karuna
• however genetic diseases/eg research may be seen as a part of a persons rebirth –> suffering due to disease leads to development of virtues on the way to nirvana
• crops and plants: creates food and nutrition for communities –> karuna and metta but negative impact on ecosystem with mass farming eg (excess use of land)