#823 - Dr Jonathan Anomaly - Is It Ethical To Hand-Pick Your Child’s Genes?

At a Glance

• Ethical concerns of genetic selection - “The concept of hand selecting your baby’s traits has been an idea since the dawn of genetic science. This technology is now available, but just how ethical is it to shape your child’s destiny and what unseen problems might a world with this science be facing.” Raises important ethical questions about the implications of genetic selection on society and individuals.

• Impact of genetic enhancement on intelligence - “I think this is going to be the big area of conversation for the next decade. I can’t, I mean, AI, yes, it is going to make changes on the surface and it’s going to be more immediate, but this, the potential for gene embryo selection for you to be able to fertilize with your partner, 10 harvested eggs, and then be able to do your polygenic risk scores and look at a whole host of traits.” Highlights the potential impact of genetic enhancement on intelligence and the future of technology.

• Discussion on social success cues - “Women are already looking for proxies of these, men are too, of course, they’re slightly different proxies. But then when you get into embryo selection or, you know, again, before that even sperm or egg selection, if you’re doing that, that’s what’s really revealing the things that you care about most.” Explores the role of genetic selection in shaping societal perceptions of success and desirability.

What to Do

• ‘Acknowledge the role of genetics in morality and moral enhancement’ - Genetics plays a significant role in influencing values, virtues, and behavior. By acknowledging the genetic influence on morality, individuals can better understand their inclinations and work towards moral enhancement.

• ‘Consider the implications of genetic selection on population dynamics’ - Genetic selection, whether through embryo selection or mate selection, can have far-reaching consequences on population genetics. It is important to consider the long-term effects and potential risks before making decisions that could impact future generations.

• ‘Be cautious before radically influencing the genetics of children’ - Before engaging in gene editing, embryo selection, or mate selection for genetic traits, it is crucial to exercise caution and consider the ethical, social, and long-term implications of such actions. Chesterton’s idea of being cautious before dismantling existing structures applies to genetic interventions as well.

What to Get

• Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies byJared Diamond - Amazon - Mentioned in the context of discussing how some people misuse IQ tests to justify certain policies.

• Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut - Referenced in a story about a future where everyone is equal in terms of resources but some people are smarter than others, leading to the use of a brain implant to limit their thoughts.

  • Welcome to the Monkey House: A Collection of Short Works by Kurt Vonnegut - Amazon

Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan Anomaly discusses the ethical implications of genetic enhancement and embryo selection. He talks about the concept of hand-selecting traits for babies and the potential moral challenges that come with it. Dr. Anomaly delves into the idea of genetic selection becoming a major global talking point in the next decade, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of genetic technology on society.

The conversation also touches on the risks of overplaying IQ and the genetic basis of intelligence. Dr. Anomaly mentions a story by Vonnegut where individuals with higher intelligence are hindered from making significant contributions to society, raising questions about the balance between genetic enhancement and societal value. He emphasizes the need to consider the implications of genetic enhancement on political institutions and the distribution of resources.

Furthermore, Dr. Anomaly discusses the advancements in genetic technology, such as gene embryo selection and polygenic risk scores, as potential game-changers in the future. He compares the impact of genetic enhancement technology to that of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the development of strong AI. Overall, the episode explores the complex intersection of genetics, ethics, and societal values in the context of technological advancements.