Literary Foundations and Ethical Questions
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein tells the story of scientist Victor Frankenstein who creates life but immediately rejects his grotesque creation. The novel serves as a foundation for exploring scientific ethics and responsibility. Shelley uses epistolary format and vivid imagery to create a haunting atmosphere, repeatedly using words like "dreary," "horrific," and "disgusting" to emphasize the moral horror of Victor's creation.
Modern genetic editing technologies raise similar ethical concerns. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized genome editing with its accessibility and low cost. This technology can modify genomes for multiple purposes, but raises significant ethical questions about risk assessment, germline editing, and potential ecological impacts.
Think About It: Frankenstein wasn't just a horror story—it was one of the first serious explorations of the ethics of creating life. How do you think Mary Shelley would view today's genetic technologies?
The simplicity of CRISPR technology creates new urgency around these ethical discussions. Unlike previous genetic technologies that required specialized knowledge and equipment, CRISPR is relatively easy to use and inexpensive, making proper regulation and ethical guidelines even more crucial.