Final answer:
Human augmentation through genetic engineering has potential benefits and ethical concerns. Genetic engineering for health purposes can be seen as morally permissible, but altering genetic makeup for non-health-related traits raises ethical concerns of discrimination and inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human augmentation through genetic engineering has the potential to increase quality of life by curing or preventing illness and eliminating certain forms of disability, but it could also negatively impact society by widening the inequality gap and laying the groundwork for new forms of discrimination. The moral permissibility of altering the genetic makeup of human beings is a complex ethical issue that depends on various factors, including the intentions behind the genetic engineering and the potential consequences.
One argument in favor of genetically engineering embryos for health purposes is that it can help prevent or cure genetic diseases and improve the overall well-being of individuals. For example, if a child is at risk of inheriting a debilitating genetic disease, parents may choose to alter the genetic makeup of the embryo to eliminate that risk. This can be seen as a morally permissible act because it aims to prevent suffering and promote the health of the child.
However, the moral permissibility becomes more contentious when considering altering the genetic makeup for non-health-related traits such as beauty or intelligence. The ethical concerns arise from the potential for creating a society that values certain physical or intellectual characteristics over others, leading to discrimination and inequality. Additionally, there is the issue of consent, as the child being genetically modified has no say in the matter.