The Ethical Implications of Synthetic Biology and Its Use to Promote Human Health
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Authors
Harwood, Mackenzie
Issue Date
2024-04-04
Type
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Abstract
Synthetic biology is a young and potentially revolutionary field of biology. At its essence, synthetic biology is the application of engineering and design to biological
systems to create an engineered organism. Synthetic biology generally works with the bacteria E. coli, but in recent years has expanded into utilizing plant, fungus, and even certain types of mammalian cells. With the creation and growth of this field, many scientists and philosophers have raised questions and concerns about the ethical implications of synthetic biology. Among the many important and interesting concerns surrounding synthetic biology, we should prioritize those that pertain to humans, if synthetic biology is to continue as a field. The potential application of synthetic biology to improve human health is scientifically very promising, but ethically questionable. This thesis will focus on a number of ethical concerns and implications of using synthetic biology to promote human
health. The major concerns are the following: whether the act of synthetic biology counts as 'playing God', whether incorporating synthetic biology for patients is an objectionable kind of paternalism, how synthetic biology impacts healthcare, and whether there are any duties that biologists have to make sure their creations are equitable and used well. Through these ethical concerns, the merits of synthetic biology will be weighed and judged, determining if synthetic biology’s use in promoting human health is justified.