Question

1. Describe at least one societal issue that scientists will be able to address using the sequence of the human genome.

2. What ethical considerations will arise if this research is pursued?

3. Who should decide whether scientists should pursue research that poses ethical dilemmas? Explain your response.

Answer 1

1.) Sequencing the human genome would allow for the final establishment of no difference between members of differing ethnic backgrounds and racism
2.) Pursued research would likely anger members of many monotheistic religions, as it could be seen as disrespectful to "play God."
3.) A committee of other scientists, who have been made aware of the potential ethical dilemmas. The approval process would be able to effectively judge if research would be more beneficial than harmful.

Answer 2

1.To identify diseases caused by mutations and develop treatments to improve the quality of life of the population

2. This information can be used for companies with unscrupulous practices (for example, to fire employees with tendency to suffer hereditary diseases)

3. The experts in social sciences are the most appropriate to decide on these issues since they have tools to determine ethical and moral consequences for individuals