There are many controversies when it comes to science and what it can achieve. After viewing the video of the man that grew his finger back it reminded me of the cloning video that we viewed the prior week. Although science is a subject that is trying to expand, it is also a subject that has a desire to solve world mysteries, but what are the boundaries? Pixie Dust was a substance formed from pig's bladder, although that maybe controversial for some people it does not actually call for more slaughtering of pigs, the bladder is simply received after the pig is most likely slaughtered for making the food that most people eat almost everyday. Cloning, though, does result from the death of an animal though, but instead from something is a major controversy in today's societies. Cloning results from copying an embryo, but the statistics that the embryo will actually clone are very small. Due to this fact many embryos are needed to try to clone, and some people may see these embryos as killing a part of human life. Human life is seen by many people as a sacred thing. This fact brings up the question of what is the line between sacred and what humans do. The last line that has to be drawn through cloning is who decided who should be cloned, if only certain people are cloned should that be illegal because cloning is trying to create one standardized culture. Also, what happens if the cloning does not turn out right is the clone killed or would that be murder. Clones are not part of society today, but if they are one day what is the separation between clones and normal humans. Science can lead to major leaps and bounds in the lives of humans in the future, but how far it can go and what it can achieve needs to be specified before the trials even begin.
Carin Shafer
I think this class has taken a narrow-minded look at cloning, to be honest. There are many different kinds of cloning, and very few of them involve making perfect replicas of organisms. Cloning as a science, though still in its early stages, will be beneficial for years to come, and I believe it's important we understand the advances that have been made before we decide what we believe when it comes to cloning. Here is an article for anyone interested that should hopefully put cloning in a new light:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml
The idea of cloning has become a major issue in society just as Carin has stated in her post. However, I believe society needs to step back and look at the benefits of cloning. Everyday thousand of people sit in a hospital bed waiting for an organ transplant and wonder if they will ever be able to live a normal life. With cloning, we would be able to save people's lives. It may sounds as though I want another person to die but I think of it as the clone being somewhat of an organ donor since it would be a remake of us. People who dislike the idea of cloning I think we are people who live normal lives and have no medical issues whatsoever. However, I believe if they were in the position to need an organ I am sure they would be willing to do anything to make sure they are better. Overall, I believe cloning has a benefit to society.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the pixie dust video, I was very intrigued. Recently, this little boy I know was in a dirt bike accident, and he ended up losing his toe. This video made me think of the possibility of one day this boy having his toe back. Fifty years ago, no one would have thought that we could regrow body parts and possibly even organs. It made me think about how much we are going to see in our lifetime.
ReplyDeleteAs for cloning, it’s an awesome idea in theory however in reality it’s completely absurd. This world is already overpopulated and we have enough homeless and enough murderers so why would you want to cloning an already overpopulated world?
I personally believe that cloning is a non-issue, when it comes to the other issues in the United States. I mean if you ask what people really care about its getting our troops home safely, they worry about gas prices and their job. I mean don't get me wrong I believe innovation is a tremendous thing, but I think it could be used in another area. Human cloning isn't one of them. Besides when you really think of it a clone is nothing more than a copy of someone or something else. I do however believe that cloning should be used to copy certain plants or herbs that create medicines for cancer and disease. Human beings however should be taken of the table.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey says,
ReplyDeleteCarin makes a very solid argumental debate: to clone or not to clone, to kill or not to kill? Forming from my beliefs and religious views, I am fully against the act of killing the embryo. It brings up the controversy over the issue of abortion. Depending upon whether you are for or against the process, like Carin Shafer stated, it is a never ending debate. Cloning, as well as Pixie Dust, can bring a whole new world of Scientifics to society. But, whether or not these experiments will effectively work is in question. It is pretty cool to think humans may be able to grow back body parts as do some species of animals. This could boost scientific discoveries, and provide hope to the future. Religious issues though will always hinder and play a major role in deciding whether or not these acts are ethical.
Like most controversial/political arguments, the core truths or facts that are pertinent become lost and are eventually drowned out by the anecdotal "evidence." Such is the case with cloning. While it absolutely holds promise for people with spinal chord injuries, Parkinson's Disease, and even diabetes to name simply a few, these relevant issues do not have the attention-holding power that anecdotal "evidence" does: we are going to clone entire humans; we are playing god; we will be forced to murder unfit clones, etc. These should not be the real issues because cloning should and could be used to grow cells, tissues, and eventually entire organs. While I agree entirely that we should never consider cloning humans, stifling the research at a stage where it could be beneficial is counterproductive.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the video about the pixie dust, I was shocked. This pixie dust can be a great new cure for many wounds that people have. However, I do understand the implications that it has as to providing it. It seems as if we may have to slaughter more pigs, other than the ones that are slaughtered for food, just to get a good amount of pixie dust if we are going to be using it. As far as cloning, I still believe that it should be furthered studied before spreading throughout the world. We still do not know who is responsible for deciding who should be cloned.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree a little bit with everyone so far. I agree with the fact that cloning can be used to push medical advances over the edge. BUT, I also have to agree that the way that it has to be done is unjust. Maybe in the future, there will be a more effective way of cloning, in which case, I will be all for it. At the time being, I have to 100% agree with Joseph said. There are far too many concerns in America, and worldwide, regarding our economy and troops, to be caring about something that at the moment has no beneficial uses. The nation's focus should be on digging ourselves out of this hole that we've plundered into.
ReplyDeleteRachel said:
ReplyDeleteI think that complete human cloning is just a crazy idea. Personally the thought of being able to make a clone of someone just freaks me out. I believe that if scientist are going to keep trying for human cloning then they should do a lot of research before they try and do it because the outcome of cloning a human being and what will happen to the world after they do so. I agree with cloning of human organs because that can help save a life. With the pixie dust I was completely amazed. I think that it is a great scientific invention and that more people should hear about it and what it can do.
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ReplyDeleteIn today's society many people, who do not know the advancements that cloning has made, think cloning is altogether wrong. I think cloning entire embryos is wrong because if something would go wrong and you would kill it, you are committing murder. However, I do believe cloning certain organs is a good idea to helpe save peoples lives.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing the youtube video on pixie dust, I was completely in shock! I had no idea that anything like this was even existent! Everyone has heard of cloning or seen it in movies or on t.v shoes, but to think of it happening in the future in real life and on humans, not just animals is unbelievable! The topic really made me think about how technologically advanced we are and whether it’s really helping us or killing us? I feel that along with everything else, cloning would be abused. It would get out of control and wouldn't just be used for advantages in medicine or in our societies, but would be used for wrong doing and taking advantage of people. I believe that the pixie dust is an amazing medical discovery, but that is also something that can be kept to a minimum and under control.
ReplyDeleteKristi Quinn
Yes the principles of cloning are wrong and should not be done and have been banned in a large number of the world countries. Humans themselves should not be cloned perhaps but whats to say that a long couldn't be or even a heart. With vital organs always needing replaced in people there would be a waiting list for those people that are suffering. SO cloning of an organ can be beneficial.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I find this process fascinating. Although there are many upsides and downsides to cloning. There could be population issues, and the over use of natural resources, whereas the pros are that they would be a scientific breakthrough, and they can benefit society in organ donation. But I agree with Mark, somewhat. I do no think cloning should be done unless it is for organ donation, or if it is for some other dire need.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I think cloning shouldn't be done at all. Cloning something is always going to change it from the original. If animals or people were meant to be cloned then it would be continually looked at and researched more than it is. If people were trying to research it like they are a cure for cancer or other diseases that are in everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post, that yes cloning and pixie dust is cool to think about. The thing is is that you do have to think about what if the clone dies, or you have to kill it because it is a malfunction. Is it murder? I honestly don't see the point in cloning whole bodies. I think if we could clone a person's liver or something for a transplant that would be cool and would make science better
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