Whither Mankind
In "Whither Mankind" Ayala make a distinction between negative and positive eugenics. He states that negative eugenics is a reasonable idea and agreeable by most individuals. On the other hand positive eugenics is a morally inconceivable idea with severe consequences. He describes how many of the procedures of positive eugenics are not biologically possible. One type of positive eugenics is germinal selection. In future paragraphs I will clarify why germinal selection is a form of positive eugenics, and the negative aspects of performing it. Finally I will discuss why Ayala at this point in time deems it is impossible to practice germinal selection. Eugenics is a deliberate attempt to improve the genetics of the human race. Implemented by humans, eugenics is an artificial manner of selection performed intentionally on their own species. There are two very different types of eugenics described by Ayala positive and negative eugenics. Positive eugenics is the increase of individuals or genotypes of individuals with "desirable" genetic makeup. While negative eugenics is merely trying to prevent the distribution of undesirable genes. Negative eugenics consists of methods such as genetic counseling and
Ayala illustrates not only the detrimental consequences positive eugenics will likely cause in the future but also the ignorant idea of germinal selection. The ability to make mistakes may have enormous consequences in the future if ideas such as germinal selection become a reality. The eugenic error will nevertheless be damage they perpetrated. Logically the couple would with out doubt choose to use the sperm or egg from the unaffected spouse and use a donor sperm or egg depending on which parent is abnormal. Genotypic make up does not make us who we are it merely determines how we react to certain circumstances. Great men like Einstein for example could have been a man like Hitler if not given his family, friends, and teachers. Collaboration and teamwork is a necessity to prevent extinction. One principal idea is the combination of parents. Individuals are not born with the ideas, beliefs, practices instituted by society. Having such variation is what allows humans and other organisms to change or evolve over time in response to changing environmental conditions. The concept of using sperm from a small number of men and eggs from certain women would significantly decrease genetic individuality. In our democratic world who will make decisions on what is best for the society? What characteristics are ideal? Ayala believes there is no such thing as a perfect genotype. Probably one of most important arguments made is the idea that a woman would choose another mans sperm over her husbands.
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Acceptance Essays
