week 8 genetic revolutions Flashcards
what is social construction of knowledge?
Knowledge is Influenced by Society.
Science is often thought of as a purely objective field, but social, cultural, and historical factors shape how scientific knowledge is produced, interpreted, and applied. The way we understand genetics is not just about biological facts, but also about the social narratives we create around them.
What role do cultural values play in the genetic revolution?
Cultural values influence what is prioritized in genetic research, like ideas about health, family, and perfection, which can affect the direction of scientific progress.
How do power dynamics affect genetic knowledge and technologies?
Institutions (governments, corporations) control genetic knowledge, which raises ethical concerns about access, control, and who benefits from genetic research.
What is the main idea of Authoritarian Eugenics?
The government or authorities control reproduction and genetics for the “greater good” of society, often without individual consent (e.g., forced sterilizations).
what is liberal eugenics?
Liberal eugenics emphasizes individual choice and freedom, allowing parents to use genetic technologies to improve their offspring, such as through genetic testing or modification.
What is the approach of Laissez-faire Eugenics?
Laissez-faire eugenics involves a hands-off approach from the government, letting individuals make their own decisions about reproduction and genetic technologies without interference like a free market
What is the goal of Utopian Eugenics?
Utopian eugenics aims to create a perfect or ideal society by selectively breeding or modifying genetics to eliminate undesirable traits, such as disease or disability.
What is Somatic Cell Gene Therapy?
It involves correcting or adding genes to a person’s cells (excluding eggs/sperm) to fix genetic issues. aim is to treat genetic conditions
What ethical concerns arise with Somatic Cell Gene Therapy?
Kantianism raises concerns about using humans for experimentation, and utilitarianism questions whether the high costs are justified when there are other health priorities.
What is Germ-line Genetic Therapy?
It involves modifying the genes of sperm or eggs to prevent inherited genetic diseases from being passed on to future generations.
What ethical concerns are associated with Germ-line Genetic Therapy?
Concerns include accessibility and equity (who gets access), defining which genes are “bad,” and the uncertain long-term effects of gene modification.
What is the purpose of prenatal testing?
To check if a baby has any health problems or genetic conditions during pregnancy.
What is the issue with genetic certainty in prenatal testing?
Most tests provide probabilities (e.g., 75% chance of a condition) rather than certainties, which can cause emotional distress for mothers.
What negative impacts can prenatal testing have on mothers?
It can harm fertility and create emotional stress, as the tests often don’t ask the parents what they want to do with the results.
What ethical issue does prenatal testing raise regarding pregnancy termination?
It raises concerns about society’s selection process, where genetic conditions might influence decisions to terminate a pregnancy.
