Assignment:
Ethics Reflection Assignment
Instructions
In this assignment, you are being asked to reflect on ethical considerations that have arisen as a result of recent breakthroughs in gene editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9-based methods. Follow these steps to complete this assignment:
1. Read the following articles (pdfs available below):
o "Once science fiction, gene editing is now a looming reality" - New York Times
o "Despite controversy, human studies of CRISPR move forward in the US" - Scientific American
2. Reflect on what you read and consider the following question:
o "Why (or why not) should gene editing be explored as a possible treatment for inherited human diseases?"
3. In a 300 to 500 word essay, summarize your thoughts on this ethical dilemma, considering your own and other possible viewpoints on this topic.
Readings:
1. Once Science Fiction, Gene Editing Is Now a Looming Reality
By Katie Hafne
2. Despite Controversy, Human Studies of CRISPR Move Forward in the U.S.
By Karen Weintraub