Abstract

As the wealth of information streams in from research on the human genome project , the challenge to individuals and societies increases regarding ethical applications. The scientific achievement is impressive and provides a blueprint of the human genome. How shall we use the information as moral agents? The Socratic question, “What is good?” has haunted philosophers for thousands of years and seems the appropriate place to begin thinking through all the choices within genetic medicine. On the one hand, individuals or groups may regard the information as a giant stride forward in predicting and curing genetic diseases, of reducing suffering for many at risk individuals. On the other hand, it is also possible that some individuals will see an opportunity to improve human talents and eliminate all “defective” phenotypes. It is not wrong to develop genetic information and invent new methods to improve health, but to expect too much from the genetic revolution risks misapplication and unrealistic hopes. Diversity of talents and physiological potential surely will continue to compel us to be tolerant of those with limited abilities while seeking to do the most we can to promote the potential within each person. Biology, even genetics, is not equipped to equalize talents or endow everyone with maximum potential, nor is it the intention of science to achieve such an objective. It is a subjective judgment that defines “normal” or “disability.” The moral challenge presented by the HGP is the reminder that human persons are more than their genetic profile. Human persons are relational beings, members of families, communities, and societies