Would you agree with this assessment? Will we one day, be able modify our DNA for our very own freedom?

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"The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the
shoreline of wonder" (Ralph W. Sockman)

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Biological determinism is incorrect.

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I don't agree,

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Quote: from Moridin at 4:26 am on May 10, 2008

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Biological determinism is incorrect.  

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I don't agree,

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We do not have enough genes for biological determinism to be true.

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"The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the
shoreline of wonder" (Ralph W. Sockman)

Additionally, if people could "pick their genes" I think it'd only create more problems, if not the same ones; those with the most money would buy the best genes, or best scientists to do so, while those with less would be unable to gain access to the same crafted potential. Furthermore, there could be a lot of mistakes, there would most likely be discrimination based on genes, and nearly everyone would want a child who is the genetic jackpot. This would only spark competition in obtaining better and better genes, and unless genes are taken from a general group (where appearances and all other aspects would not match those of the parents), there would be limitations based on the genes of the parent. Also, "talents" would be a thing of the past, no one more special than another unless slightly better in certain fields. Furthermore, children might be held to higher standards, at which point might be valued for what made them than who they were, and might be pushed further than they could or wish, too, having their childhood stolen from them.

There's also a moral aspect...

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{If only} To live by If

Post edited at 7:48 pm on May 10, 2008 by medjai

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Who dares wins. - Special Air Service

Genetics may place certain limits on us in various areas but seldom is the person who actually is motivated enough to encounter those limits.

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Soon genetic manipulation will come into the mainstream. Then we will be truly, physically free.

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If you're rich.

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Who dares wins. - Special Air Service

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Soon genetic manipulation will come into the mainstream. Then we will be truly, physically free.

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Theoretically we will never be free. Mutations will always take place, no matter how much we decrease the probability of them happening. Genetically engineered or not, mutations would still create a very different being to what the engineered genes predicted.

In other words, bourney, while you can't eliminate the occurrence of genetic mutation, you can definitely eliminate the expression (and therefore relevance) of said mutations, technology allowing.

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Who dares wins. - Special Air Service

Yes, genetics determine the physical portions of us, and in many ways the mental capabilities. At least from what I have learned in my classes.

Genetic determination and manipulation will unfortunately become somewhat "mainstream" one day. However other than it will only be accessible to the rich (maybe there's someone out there with their nose that sticks up even higher *gasps*).
I believe this manipulation if it were to be accessible to the general public would cause the populous to lose the diversity it has now, and probably end up morphing the human body into an almost "new" species. If you have read the Time Machine among other sci-fis you'll get where I'm coming from.  

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Ready to softly kill my pain, Ready to slightly
lose my brain. Ready to slightly go insane.