71. The study of genetics is today so far advanced that we shall soon be able to produce a kind of genetically "perfect superman

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问题     71. The study of genetics is today so far advanced that we shall soon be able to produce a kind of genetically "perfect superman", using techniques known as "genetic engineering". At first this may seem an attractive possibility, but when we consider it in detail, we find there are many problems involved.
    A distinction is usually made between "negative" and "positive" genetic engineering. In negative genetic engineering we try to eliminate harmful genes to produce genetically normal people. The aim is of course a desirable one; however, it does pose the problem of what a harmful gene is. Genes are not really either "good" or "bad". The gene which causes certain forms of anaemia, for example, can also protect against malaria. If we eliminate this gene we may get rid of anaemia, but we increase the risk of malaria.
    In positive genetic engineering we try to create better people by developing the so-called "good" genes. 72. But although this form of genetic engineering will give us greater control over mankind’s future, there are several reasons for caution. First there is the possibility of mistakes. While aceepting that geneticists are responsible people, we must also admit that things can be wrong, the result being the kind of monster we read about in horror stories. Secondly, there is the problem of deciding what makes a "better" person. We may feel, for example, that if genetic engineering can create more intelligent people, then this is a good thing. On the other hand, intelligence does not necessarily lead to happiness. Do we really want to create people who are intelligent, but perhaps unhappy?
    73. The basic question is whether or not we should interfere with human life. We can argue that much human progress (particularly in medicine ) involves interference with life. To some extent this is true; but we should not forget the terrible consequences genetic engineering can have. Consider for example the possibilities of genetic warfare, in which our enemies try to harm us using the techniques of genetic engineering ...

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答案 遗传学现今已达到了极高水平,因而人类很快就能运用“遗传工程”技术创造一种遗传学上的完全“超人”。乍看起来,前景似乎令人向往。但当我们仔细推敲时,便会发现其中牵涉许多问题。 “遗传工程”一般分为“隐性”和“显性”两类。在隐性遗传工程中我们试图消灭有害基因以便创造出遗传学上的正常人。这个目标当然是美好的,可它的确也带来一个问题,即什么是有害的基因。

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