After watching the video below, answer the following questions:
Gene editing allows scientists to change gene sequences by adding, replacing or removing sections of DNA.
1. What is your opinion about gene editing?
2. Do you consider it as a promising technology for improving our diet and health?
3. Or a risk for our society?
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
Opinions on Gene Editing
After watching the video on gene editing, I have formulated my thoughts regarding this complex and multifaceted technology. Gene editing has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of science and society, but it also raises ethical and practical concerns.
1. Personal Opinion on Gene Editing
I believe gene editing is a groundbreaking advancement in biotechnology with the potential for both remarkable benefits and significant risks. The ability to modify genetic material can lead to incredible breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. However, the ethical implications surrounding gene editing—especially in humans—prompt serious reflection. It is crucial that we approach this technology with caution, ensuring regulations and ethical guidelines are in place to prevent misuse.
2. Promising Technology for Improving Diet and Health
I consider gene editing a promising technology for improving diet and health, particularly in addressing food security and enhancing nutritional content. For example, genetically modifying crops can increase their resistance to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields and reduced reliance on harmful pesticides. Furthermore, gene editing can enhance the nutritional profile of certain foods, potentially combating malnutrition in vulnerable populations.
In medicine, gene editing techniques like CRISPR hold great promise for treating genetic disorders by correcting faulty genes at their source. This could lead to breakthroughs in curing diseases such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
3. Risks for Society
Despite its potential benefits, I also recognize the risks associated with gene editing. One major concern is the ethical implications of germline editing—changes made to the DNA of embryos that can be passed down to future generations. This raises questions about “designer babies,” where genetic modifications could lead to socioeconomic disparities or unintended consequences on human evolution.
Additionally, there is the risk of ecological disruption if gene editing is applied carelessly in agriculture or wildlife management. Modified organisms may outcompete natural species, leading to biodiversity loss and other unforeseen ecological impacts.
Moreover, public acceptance and understanding of gene editing remain significant hurdles. Without clear communication and education about the technology, fear and misinformation could lead to backlash against scientific advancements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gene editing represents a double-edged sword; it offers remarkable opportunities for enhancing human health and food security while posing ethical dilemmas and societal risks. It is essential for scientists, policymakers, and society as a whole to engage in open discussions about the implications of gene editing and strive for responsible practices that prioritize safety, ethics, and equity. As we embrace this technology, we must also remain vigilant about its potential consequences on our society and the environment.
