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Essay / Inevitability of genetic modification in redesign...
Technological advances push human society to change as it itself develops through research into the unknown. Often, new ideas pose a threat to the old fundamentals of society, leading to protest against many remarkable innovations. In the study of biology, theorists have begun to propose a change at a microscopic level that will have a profound effect on society: the genetic modification of the human species. Gregory Stock discusses the future of this concept in his book Redesigning Humans. Using metaphor to enhance the journey to the future, substance to present the immense possibilities that biological modification will usher in, and appealing to pathos to create fear and enthusiasm, Stock argues that the rebirth of humanity is certain and that the world should embrace change. metaphor to highlight the inevitability of the genetic future and show how genome editing is crucial to the future of society. It addresses concerns that once humans begin to alter their nature, the changes made will progress negatively, harming society. The metaphor reinforces the rebuttal of this claim when Stock states: “advanced reproductive technologies are more like a slippery sidewalk than a slippery slope. Rather than sliding uncontrollably into a deep abyss, we are more likely to take a spill or two, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and carefully continue on our way” (Stock 151). The comparison to a sidewalk clarifies that every movement will be by choice due to the implication of walking rather than falling down a “slippery slope.” This refutes the claim that technology will harm society, but does not eliminate the idea of inevitability due to the inclusion of "slippery." Due to the limited metaphorical language, we...... middle of paper ...... ience excited about the future of society. By appealing to pathos to generate enthusiasm for societal progress and fear of eliminable genetic diseases, Stock encourages the reader to embrace genetic modification. and constructive technology in Redesigning Humans. The metaphor emphasizes the inevitability and makes the audience understand the point the author is making. Substance reinforces this idea through hypothetical examples, which allow the reader to understand the importance of genetic modification, and appeal to pathos, which helps create a desire for this future. Individuals will continue to strive for the intangible in their quest to perfect the human condition, and germline engineering is a vital step forward in this crusade..