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Genetic Engineering Philosophical Paper Essay Genetic Engineering Defined We live in a period of science breakthroughs and accomplishments.   For over centuries now, science has been constantly pursuing its ambition to hold nature’s natural course within its grasp.   Perhaps one field that can fit this description is genetic engineering which is a laboratory technique to change the DNA of living organisms (What is Genetic Engineering).   A good view of genetic engineering can perhaps be seen in the film Gattaca where one of the main characters, Vincent (played by Ethan Hawke), is not able to accept his genetic fate.    Basing on his character, the film views how genetic engineering can affect an individual’s self-esteem as well as how far it can push him to practice free will to fill this sense of emptiness. Effects of Genetic Engineering As to its effect on society, the movie shows how it serves as a solution in eliminating if not minimizing the consequences of genetic imperfection such as in-born diseases.   In fact, some also believe that genetic engineering can be beneficial not only with health and medicine but as well as food, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.   Even nowadays genetics have already made its benefits known by aiding in forensic investigations through DNA identification thus lessening the number of violent crimes (Genetic Engineering Benefits Society). However, there can also be possible risks when relying on this field of science particularly with eugenics, or the selection the future makeup of children which could lead to the elimination of some personal traits.   Another risk would be in the usage of biotechnology before exploring other options in terms of reproduction.   One example is implanting an egg from one woman into the uterus of another which might be hazardous if considered as a primary technique (Discovery Education: Genetic Engineering) Perhaps one of the things that the director of the movie Gattaca is trying to present is how genetic engineering can be a remedy or solution in altering human fate by making him somewhat more invincible.   After watching the film, I saw this field of science as something that can affect a person’s religious faith. This issue has been reinforced furthermore by the scene particularly during the birth of Vincent where he said, â€Å"He never understood what possessed his mother to put her faith in God’s hands rather than those of her local geneticists.† secondary to his rejection of the fact that he is too genetically imperfect to achieve his dreams.   As far as the film is concerned, this showed how genetic engineering can have the potential to tolerate such human behaviors which can ultimately lead him to play God once he gets the chance instead of practicing self-acceptance and humility. Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering It has an ethical implication especially when it comes to religion.   Taking the views of the Church of Scotland for example, it states that although Christians have long regarded scientific research as a way of responding to God’s commands of â€Å"filling the earth and subduing it† from the first chapter of Genesis in the bible, it is but important to draw a line especially in the level of genetics as it is an alteration and manipulation of human genetics which is God’s exclusive rights only. Perhaps there would be exceptions such as issues that call for certain necessities like modifying pig hearts and lungs in case of serious shortage of suitable human donor organs.   However with or without the religious point of view, some practices of genetic manipulation can endanger the life of certain people if these are not properly controlled or monitored especially since we do not hold enough knowledge in harmfully interfering with nature.   Furthermore, this also distorts virtues like humility and creates erroneous perception of what people should be made up of physically in order to be happy (Are We Playing God?). The Swimming Scene   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This particular scene in the movie gives a certain twist in the view of genetic engineering.   Vincent was born with a 99% probability of heart disorder and so every time they do the swim race when they were kids, he often got tired first and lost to Anton.   But when they did it again when they were already grown ups, Anton lost the race and almost drowned.   When Vincent defeated Anton in the swimming race for the first time, this ultimately showed the strength of human spirit and how it can defeat even the genetically superior.   Apparently, it was as though Vincent was able to unconsciously imbibe self-confidence after all those times he spent with the genetically-engineered individuals. Uma Thurman’s Character   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Irene, Vincent’s love interest whom he met in Gattaca, is another perfect example of an individual who lacks self-confidence and spirit.   Compared to Vincent, her genes are almost perfect if not for a certain heart condition.   Perhaps it is due to the fact that Irene has also been a subject of comparison in Gattaca along with the pressures of being considered for a mission to Titan (one of the moons of the planet Saturn) that she is made to focus on her imperfection although in fact it is â€Å"smaller† as compared with her superior qualities.   If she were living in a community much normal than Gattaca, then there might be a greater chance for her to be happy and see her beautiful qualities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With regards to Irene’s character, I think what the director is trying to show is that not even technology can answer for a person’s search for self-fulfillment.   Technology is also capable of deceiving people from seeing reality or from seeing what a person truly is.   Irene fell in love with Vincent in the film but little did she know that he is no more than a mere trespasser in the space agency if not for the help of his friend Jerome, a genetically superior individual who was paralyzed by a car accident and gave his identity to Vincent. The Ending   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The movie had an amazing ending.   After all the struggles and suspense, Vincent was surprisingly able to pull everything off and made it to the space mission, defeating the majority of his genetically-superior colleagues in Gattaca and taking Jerome’s identity with him.   Jerome on the other hand, committed suicide.   Jerome’s tragic end is the saddest part of the movie.   He has been completely consumed by his misfortune that he literally gave his life away.   He just could not accept what has become of him and the identity that he lost from the accident was the only person he knew how to be, a winner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As to Jerome’s suicide, this brought up an ethical issue that perhaps society cannot approve.   Once again it goes against the views of religion about God’s prerogatives of the human life.   Jerome willing his own death cannot be considered a rightful one for even though he had broken a spine or is out of money, his brain was still functioning well, he was speaking very well, and most of all he did not even lose his good looks from the accident so there could have been a chance for him to charm his way to love. According to an article about ethical issues related to life and death, a person only can have a self-imposed death if he has a terminal illness and his physician proclaims certain death in the very near future wherein artificial bodily support is deemed useless considering the very short period of time left (Ethical Issues Related To Life And Death).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The final scene was both puzzling and funny.   There was the main character about to board the space mission and after successfully making it through several nerve-wracking genetic testing, his urine test finally revealed his true invalid identity.   Yet for some strange reasons, the one in charge of this final step let him through after a brief sentimental conversation about his son being a big fan of Jerome a.k.a. Vincent. I cannot figure out whether to consider human compassion as a part of this scene.   But more importantly, what made the ending very significant is the overwhelming sense of triumph that the main character has brought with him after making to the mission and the great sense of relief that he was not apprehended despite revealing his true identity.   The ending of the story gives out a message that no matter how much we go through or change ourselves, we can never lose the person that we truly are and even the best technology cannot take that away. Reference    What is Genetic Engineering. Mothers for Natural Law.   Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http://www.safe-food.org/-issue/ge.html Are We Playing God? Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy.   Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http://www.srtp.org.uk/genthpy1.htm#Manip Coates, J., Mahaffie, J., and Hines, A.   2007.   Genetic Engineering Benefits Society.   Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http://encarta.msn.com/sidebar_461576345/Does_Genetic_Engineering_Benefit_Society_.html Genetic Engineering.   Discovery Education.   Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/geneticengineering/ Ethical Issues Related To Life And Death.   Retrieved 11 February 2008 at http://www.anabaptists.org/tracts/deathtrc.html