Opening Insights: Planet of the Apes
The genetic evolution and manipulation is happening whether we like it or not. Do we agree that we can allow science to manipulate and alter our genes, or do we disagree?
The issue was raised by John Ellis, March 14, 2018 in his article published by PJMedia. In the article he explored the work of psychologist David Barash. Enjoy some snippets of his article below and examine where you stand on the issue and what change you want to see if any.
Informational Insights: Human-Chimp
In a long article adapted from a chapter in his forthcoming book, psychologist David Barash proposes that society should sanction the making of human-chimp hybrids. He refers to this new creature as a "humanzee" and says that "making it would be a terrific idea."
Barash recognizes some of the scientific challenges to making a humanzee but claims that it is "by no means impossible or even unlikely that a hybrid or a chimera combining a human being and a chimpanzee could be produced in a laboratory. After all, human and chimp (or bonobo) share, by most estimates, roughly 99 percent of their nuclear DNA."
His main argument for pursuing the creation of a human-chimp hybrid is based on the belief that humans have an unwarranted belief that we are special creatures. As Barash puts it, "Moreover, I propose that the fundamental take-home message of such creation would be to drive a stake into the heart of that destructive disinformation campaign of discontinuity, of human hegemony over all other living things."
Source: https://pjmedia.com/faith/push-make-human-chimp-hybrids
Possibilities for Consideration: Spiritual and Ethical Question
Is genetic manipulation and alternation ethical? We need to pay attention to the realities and warning signs of life. When we do this, we realize we are not alone and that we experience not just reality but the choice of freedom, the choice of partnership, the choice of opportunity and the choice of change. Consider the following question:
- What caught your interest or concern?
- Are the realities of the genetic manipulation and alternation?
- What are the short-term and long-term impact of genetic manipulation and alternation?
- What are the moral and spiritual questions and ethics that need to be addressed regarding genetics?
- Are you content with doing nothing, talking about the problem, looking for solutions or are you determined to do something?
If you are interested in exploring and finding solutions to these questions and more consider a FREE PWI Co-Lab Online Workshop.
Add Your Insight: Be the Change, Join With?
If you think being descended from apes is bad for your self esteem,
then get used to the idea that you are also descended from viruses.
MATT RIDLEY