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rich people would have an advantage over the poor contra - Is the manipulation of the animals rightful? > Animal rights arguments are the same as on humans - technology can be misused, e.g. to fulfil their wishes (of a perfect child) - human gene pool will be damaged GE of Plants: GE is the same of plants as with humans and animals (s.o.). - reduced usage of pesticides > less ground-water and animals will be poisoned pro - the research done can benefit the environment - safe and healthy crops can be developed > less foods will be wasted for chain > could mutate being,imperfect - land can be used more efficiently - bacteria within the plants won't be transferred to the consumer by consumption con - dangerous method as it hasn't been explored yet no known long-term effects in the food - makes plants resistant against diseases - the antibiotic-resistant crops may make and insects us antibiotic-resistant too, making us vulnerable to certain diseases - less plantation will be used, reducing the source of income in third-world countries - too expensive for farmers and poor countries - may have an impact on the soil and consumers (humans, animals) MODIFYING MANKIND Gene Doping: Gene Doping is the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells to enhance athletic performance. pro - side effects and possible health issues can be checked by doctors > athlete's health is protected - can control and/or decrease abuse of doping in sports pro - could grant immortality - could lead to health benefits (e.g. problems could be detected earlier) contra - the use of drugs is not only unhealthy, but can also lead to an addiction Transhumanism: Transhumanism is the scientific and technological alteration of the human race to go past its current physical and mental limitations. - technological devices are already used to support humans > devices for the partially blind to see or for the handicapped or pacemakers - side effects could be too dangerous - promotion of the usage of drugs (e.g. children are often inspired by athletes) contra - immortality leads to overpopulation/human race won't end an ideology for the rich since the poor cannot afford the technology - What remains of our human side? Are we human or technology then or a bit of both? - systems could be disrupted or hacked - social divide between super-humans and non-super-humans Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. pro - unlimited memory - could be used to help and support the elderly (to keep them out of care homes) - make the everyday life easier since they can help with tasks like cleaning and cooking are able to do jobs human are unable to do - efficient pro - the extinction of species can be prevented > less species will be endangered or go instinct - food production can be increased con no feelings, no emotions - no social skills - couples who want children but are unable to (infertile, same-sex couple) could get children - lack humanity (may frighten elders) - Under what laws and ethics would Al act? > new ethics and law system must be created - could be hacked, infiltrated, manipulated - easy tasks will be taken over by robots, meaning people will be replaced > people loose their jobs Cloning: Cloning is the creation of one or several genetically identical individuals of an individual. - If something were to go wrong, who would be responsible? contra - the process isn't entirely safe or accurate as it isn't fully developed yet - it is regarded as unethical > exploitation of life > failed attempts are likely - cloning could be abused for wrong reasons a sick person could get a clone to grow healthy organs to transplant > resource of organs, blood and bone marrow - lack of genetic uniqueness, may mess up the gene pool, loss of diversity - intervention into human evolution - identity crisis of the clone SUSTAINABILITY The Energy Problem: As of right now, our world is facing several energy problems. Not only is most of the energy we produce and use not sustainable, but the accessibility is very limited. Green and Sustainable Energy: Green energy is energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, water and wind. The key to such energy resources is its environmental-friendliness. contra pro - greenhouse effect and gases, pollution - because renewable energies are new, can be reduced it is cost-efficient to explore the chances of it - slows climate change down - since resources such as coal are running out, we need to find new sources of energy - offers a clean, continual and stable source of energy - renewable energy systems have a low cost of operation - sources of energy such as solar panels are easy to install - to be effective and efficient, it depends on weather conditions such as wind and sunlight to generate energy - is hard to make available for the masses (except for solar panels) - invasion of the habitats of animals - wind turbines pose as a danger for birds since they can get caught in the sails a lot of land is required to install solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Biofuels: Biofuels are fuels derived immediately from living matter/from biomass. pro - they are environmentally friendly contra -they produce industrial pollution (e.g. water pollution through the agriculture) they can be sourced from a wide range - they are a high-investment that needs of materials much land conversion to grow no long transportation distances it is a relatively safe technology - creates more (local) jobs - can affect food supply and the prices because when the crops such as corn is used for fuel, there will be less to eat - soil could be ruined through deprivation of nutrients