The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines evolution as
the following: “the process by which new species or populations of living
things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations.” When we
think of evolution, we think of it as a natural process that gives us insight
into the history of where we came from and how certain traits came into being
within our species. However, it is about more than our history; it is about
where our species is headed. While some may argue that by advancing our species
using technology rather than allowing it to occur “naturally” we are somehow committing
some evil or, perhaps, “playing god.” However, we have been taking matters into
our own hands regarding our health and well-being for centuries. Any form of
medicine could be considered as “playing god” because we are attempting to
prolong our lives. Illnesses which were once considered life-threatening can
now be defeated with the creation of antibiotics and vaccinations. As a result,
our species now has longer lifespans. While this affects us long-term, it is
not necessarily evolution as it is not something which can be passed onto
future generations. It is simply a matter of sustaining our own lives. However,
with the rapid advancement of genetic modifications and medical technology, we
have begun to see the rapid approach of possible human evolution. We are
beginning to see success regarding gene editing, for example. This guided
version of evolution is sometimes referred to as neo-evolution. However, us
being able to manipulate our genes, possibly as traits that continue to get
passed on for all the following generations, requires a discussion of ethics
and authority. Who should be able to affect the evolution of our species and
for what purposes can it be acceptable to do so?
The following quiz questions will be based on the video embedded below.
There is also a transcript for this ted talk if you wish to watch with captions on the TedTalk website.
- Name the 5 improvements Fineberg gives as examples.
- The first signs of life happened on Earth how long ago?
- Our species has been on Earth for about this long according to Fineberg
- How long ago did the big bang occur?
- What was Woody Allen’s sentiment about immortality?
- Evolution does not necessarily favor the what?
- What are three possibilities for the fate of our species regarding evolution?
- Neo-evolution as described by Fineberg is not simply natural, but what?
- The Human Genome project started in what year?
- What two scientists independently developed techniques to encourage the natural process of evolution to work faster and to lead to desirable proteins in a more efficient way?
- What research led to Shinya Yamanaka receiving the Laskar Prize?
- According to Fineberg, with Neo-evolution, we could take a process that might take 100,000 years and compress it down to about how long?
Discussion questions:
- Who should decide the direction of human evolution?
- For what purposes should we guide evolution?
- What do you think are the social and/or economical repercussions of guiding evolution?
"Who should decide the direction of human evolution?" If we've posed the question at all, we've already begun to "decide" that our selective intentions are relevant to evolutionary design. So, the short but possibly unhelpful answer is: we should decide, we who are drawn to the question and thus implicitly recognize it's not all up to blind nature any more. But deciding, at this early stage, SHOULD mean deiberation, discussing, considering, and proceeding with extreme precaution. I fear that may not be how it goes. But if we can make even a small contribution to the process, I hope we'll guide evolution in the direction of ever-greater social empathy and mutual support. Every small decision undertaken in that light, in theory, will contribute to nature's design of a more cooperative and less belligerent human species. Can we afford NOT to try and guide our evolution in that dieretion?
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