Genetically Engineered Foods
The FDA approved a new animal drug application concerning a genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon, supposed to be safe for human consumption.
Below is the link from the FDA, you may also read about it on different news sources.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/GeneticEngineering/GeneticallyEngineeredAnimals/ucm280853.htm
Discuss:
* What is your opinion on the use of genetically engineered foods for human consumption?
* What is your opinion on the FDA approval on the genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Unveiling the Debate: Genetically Engineered Foods for Human Consumption
The introduction of genetically engineered foods into the market has sparked a contentious debate concerning their safety, ethical implications, and potential impact on human health and the environment. The recent approval by the FDA of a genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon for human consumption raises questions about the wisdom of integrating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into our food supply chain. In this discussion, we will explore both sides of the argument regarding the use of genetically engineered foods and the implications of the FDA approval of the genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon.
Opinion on the Use of Genetically Engineered Foods
Pros:
1. Increased Crop Yields: Genetically engineered crops have the potential to produce higher yields, which can help address food scarcity and improve global food security.
2. Enhanced Nutritional Value: GMOs can be engineered to contain essential nutrients, contributing to enhanced nutritional content in foods.
3. Pest Resistance: Genetic modification can confer resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Cons:
1. Unknown Long-Term Effects: Concerns persist regarding the long-term health implications of consuming genetically engineered foods, as the full extent of their impact on human health remains uncertain.
2. Environmental Concerns: The cultivation of GMOs may lead to unintended consequences, such as genetic contamination of non-GMO crops and disruption of ecosystems.
3. Ethical Considerations: Some argue that the patenting of GMOs raises ethical concerns related to ownership of genetic material and access to food resources.
Opinion on FDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Atlantic Salmon
Pros:
1. Stringent Safety Regulations: The FDA conducts rigorous safety assessments before approving genetically engineered foods for human consumption, ensuring that they meet established safety standards.
2. Potential Benefits: Genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon may offer advantages such as faster growth rates and increased sustainability in aquaculture practices.
3. Transparency and Accountability: The FDA approval process provides transparency regarding the development and evaluation of genetically engineered foods, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Cons:
1. Consumer Skepticism: Despite FDA approval, some consumers remain skeptical about the safety and ethical implications of consuming genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon.
2. Environmental Impact: Concerns exist about the potential environmental impact of genetically modified salmon, including issues related to ecosystem disruption and genetic contamination of wild salmon populations.
3. Labeling and Transparency: Critics argue that there should be clear labeling requirements for genetically engineered foods to allow consumers to make informed decisions about their food choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate surrounding genetically engineered foods for human consumption is multifaceted, encompassing scientific, ethical, environmental, and regulatory considerations. While proponents argue that GMOs hold promise in addressing global food challenges and promoting agricultural sustainability, critics raise valid concerns about their long-term effects on human health and the environment. The FDA approval of genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits and risks associated with GMOs.
As we navigate this complex issue, it is essential to prioritize scientific research, transparency in labeling, and public engagement to foster informed decision-making and ensure the safety and sustainability of our food supply. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of the nuances surrounding genetically engineered foods is crucial in shaping policies and practices that promote the well-being of both consumers and the environment.
