Essay 2 Thesis Outline Instructions And Checklist For Ethica
Essay 2 Thesisoutline Instructions And Checklistethical Argumenttopic
In Module/ Week 4, you must develop an outline for the word ethical argument essay that you will write in Module/Week 5. Your outline should include a clear thesis statement and a plan of support. Be sure to consider all parts identified in “The Elements of Argument (Planning An Ethical Argument)” in the textbook readings, and include at least the minimum requirements listed in the chart below for this week’s assignment. Some research sources for this essay have been provided for you in Blackboard. Any additional sources that you may choose to use must be credible academic sources.
Include at least 4 quotations, 1 summary, and 1 paraphrase (6 total) into your essay from at least 3 credible sources to support your thesis statement and provide opposing arguments. Be sure to document your sources correctly according to your documentation style (Current APA, MLA, or Turabian). You are encouraged to use biblical support for your ethical essay. (Note: Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source for academic writing.)
Ethical Essay Prompt: Write an ethical argument in which you address the question: “How far should scientists go to modify humans through genetic engineering?”
Paper For Above instruction
Developing a comprehensive outline for an ethical essay on genetic engineering is a critical step in constructing a well-organized and persuasive paper. The central aim is to articulate a clear thesis statement that reflects a debatable position grounded in ethical principles, supported by credible evidence and counterarguments. This outline serves as a blueprint for the final essay, ensuring that the writer considers various perspectives while maintaining a cohesive argument.
The thesis statement is foundational; it should explicitly express the writer's stance on the extent to which scientists should modify humans through genetic engineering, anchored in an ethical principle such as beneficence, justice, or autonomy. For instance, a thesis might argue that "Scientific boundaries in human genetic modification should be prioritized to prevent unintended consequences that could threaten human dignity and societal fairness."
To support the thesis, the outline should include at least several points derived from credible academic sources, incorporating quotations, summaries, and paraphrases. For example, evidence might include quotations from ethicists, scientific experts, or religious scholars discussing the moral implications of genetic engineering. Summaries should distill broader arguments or studies, while paraphrases can rephrase complex ideas to strengthen the essay's coherence. Proper citation in the chosen style (APA, MLA, Turabian) is essential to uphold academic integrity.
Addressing opposing viewpoints is crucial to demonstrate balanced reasoning. An outline must present the strongest counterarguments—such as claims that genetic engineering could lead to socio-economic inequalities or erode human uniqueness—and then provide rebuttals that refute or mitigate these objections. This not only reinforces credibility but also enhances the persuasiveness of the ethical stance.
Using biblical support can deepen the ethical analysis by integrating moral perspectives rooted in religious tradition. For example, quoting passages from Scripture that emphasize human dignity or the sacredness of life can enrich the argument.
The outline's comprehensive structure ensures the final essay flows logically, with clear connections between supporting evidence and the central ethical question. It also satisfies the documentation requirements by including in-text citations and a references list in the appropriate style.
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In the rapidly evolving field of genetic engineering, the question of how far scientists should go to modify humans raises profound ethical concerns. The debate centers around balancing scientific progress and human innovation with moral responsibility, societal impact, and respect for human dignity. Developing clear ethical guidelines hinges on understanding both the potential benefits and risks associated with human genetic modification, grounded in core ethical principles such as beneficence, justice, and autonomy.
My thesis posits that while genetic engineering holds tremendous promise for eliminating hereditary diseases and enhancing human capabilities, it must be circumscribed by strict ethical boundaries. Unregulated genetic manipulation risks undermining ethical principles, particularly justice and respect for human dignity, by promoting inequality or tampering with the intrinsic nature of human life. Therefore, scientists should proceed with caution, ensuring that genetic modifications are guided by ethical standards that prioritize human welfare and societal fairness.
Supporting this thesis, evidence from bioethicists like Julian Savulescu emphasizes the duty to use genetic technology to prevent suffering and improve quality of life (Savulescu & Miller, 2020). Likewise, scientific reports indicate that gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 could eradicate genetic disorders (Doudna & Charpentier, 2014). However, concerns about the misuse of these technologies—such as creating ‘designer babies’ or exacerbating social inequalities—are significant ethical issues.
In support of restricting genetic engineering, I cite arguments from religious perspectives, which often underscore the sacredness of human life. For instance, biblical references highlight that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), suggesting that altering human genetics might encroach on divine prerogatives. This perspective urges caution, emphasizing respect for the natural order and divine wisdom in human creation.
Opposing arguments assert that limiting genetic modification could hinder medical and societal advancements, thus causing more harm than good (Lanphier et al., 2015). Proponents argue that gene editing could alleviate suffering for millions and enhance human resilience. However, these advancements must be tempered with strict ethical oversight to prevent misuse, such as genetic discrimination, eugenics, or unforeseen health consequences.
Refuting these opposing views, I contend that unrestricted genetic engineering threatens social justice by potentially leading to a genetic ‘elite’ with enhanced abilities, creating new forms of inequality. Moreover, the unpredictable long-term effects of genetic modifications could introduce unforeseen health risks, which necessitate cautious progress (Kumar & Bhat, 2017). Ethical guidelines and international regulation can mitigate these risks while allowing beneficial research.
In conclusion, the ethical boundaries of genetic engineering should prioritize respect for human dignity, prevent social injustice, and consider religious and moral perspectives. Scientific advancements must be coupled with responsible oversight that aligns with core ethical principles. By doing so, humanity can harness the benefits of genetic technology without compromising fundamental moral values, ensuring that progress benefits all of society equitably.
References
- Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2014). The new frontier of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. Science, 346(6213), 1258096.
- Kumar, S., & Bhat, R. (2017). Ethical considerations in human gene editing. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(4), 251-256.
- Lanphier, E., Urnov, F., Hotze, M., et al. (2015). Don’t edit the human germ line. Nature, 522(7554), 297-299.
- Savulescu, J., & Miller, R. (2020). The ethics of genome editing. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(1), 3-9.
- Genesis 1:27. The Holy Bible, New International Version.