I think the movie Gattaca did a great job of encapsulating the moral dilemmas that could occur as technology advances. Before this event, I had never really fully dived into the complicated nature of technology advancing to the levels of genetically modifying humans. Gattaca explores the role of genetically modified humans and how this would change the fabric of society.
Gattaca details the future divide between non-genetically modified humans and modified ones, giving modified ones more rights while subjecting the non modified people. The two class society illustrated in the movie reflects a potential danger with genetically modifying humans, it can create a class of humans that think they are superior that oppress the inferior. This plays out in the film as Vincent, becuase of his genetic shortcomings, is excluded from the upper tier of society. The film details how the artistic and scientific endeavour of creating "perfect" humans can lead to eugenics and ultimately the complete restructuring of society.
While not all biotech and medtech innovations have such serious consequences, Gattaca does do an excellent job of illustrating the dangers of the very experimental side of bio and med tech. I believe this film connected seamlessly to the current course material, visualizing a lot of the course content that is difficult to grasp such as the ethical problems with letting technology develop without limits.
“Genetically Modified Babies? What next?!” Friends of the Earth Australia, www.foe.org.au/genetically_modified_babies.
“Genetically Modified Babies? What next?!” Friends of the Earth Australia, www.foe.org.au/genetically_modified_babies.
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