Genetically modifying crops is ethical.
According to renowned ethics philosopher Immanuel Kant for something to be morally correct it must fit all three of his formulations
Formulation #1: Formula of a universal law.
a) Find agents maxim. What is the action in question. “Is it okay to...”
b) Imagine a world in which this was a universal law without exception.c) Evaluate. Would that be a rational world?
d) Imperative “Do X.” or “Do not do X”
Formulation #2: Rational beings have their own ends.
a) Never use another rational being merely as a means to your own ends.
b) Respect that every rational being has their own ends.
Formulation #3: Formulation of Autonomy
a) Synthesis of the first two.
b) all maxims which stem from autonomous legislation ought to harmonize with a possible realm of ends
Genetic Modification fits the First Formulation.
a) Is it okay to genetically modify crops to make them more efficient
b) In a world where this happens all the time I suppose nature is jeapordized
c)This would be a fine world to live in, crops would be cheaper, better, etc
d) Genetically Modify crops
Genetic Modification fits the Second Formulation.
a) nature is altered, but plants are not rational beings
b) hurts no people, perhaps insects, but not people
Genetic Modification fits the Third Formulation.
a) working on it....
Rebuttle.
Many counter Kant with a philosophy called Utilitarianism. Even under that philosophy Genetic Modification is moral.
Solid outline! It looks like you have really thought out each paragraph and that will make it much easier for you to write your first draft. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a pretty interesting argument so far. Since you already know a bunch about Kant, take this time to try to learn as much about the corn industry as you can. Let me know if you need help with any of this.
ReplyDelete