Dignity is mankind’s unique value, which gives humans the power of self-transcendence. This empowers them to be different to the natural nonhuman species (cf. Heyd 71). Science and engineering establish new ways and opportunities to accomplish the desire to improve humanity. By means of medical and genetic engineering man could be more intelligent, talented, beautiful, and crucially live a healthier and longer life without any particular effort. While this vision generates enthusiasm on the one hand, it triggers anxiety and scepticism on the other hand. Is gene alteration of human nature generally permissible and desirable? Will not authenticity and autonomy go astray when engineering makes us what we are? Are the social impacts sustainable or do we increase social and global inequality? A philosophical debate was raised about these and other questions in the recent years. The English term “Enhancement” gained acceptance as the collective term for diverse physiological, psychological, cognitive and emotional improvement of mankind. However, I will focus on the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of genetic alteration on humans from an ecocritical point of view. As ecocriticism is multifaceted I decided to take a closer look on the interaction between humans or more precisely, the exploitation of humans by humans. Therefore, I will apply an eco-Marxist approach to the novel which represents an anthropocentric ideology (cf. Benton, 28). The paper consists of three sections. Initially, I will explain the term ecocriticism. Secondly, I shall examine the advantages and the disadvantages of human genetic engineering with the example of Brave New World. Finally, the consequences of human genetic engineering are explored. Eventually, the question Why should we not play God? is clarified by an evaluation of the found out consequences.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Defining Ecocriticism
- Advantages and disadvantages of human genetic engineering with the example of Huxley's Brave New World
- Consequences of human genetic engineering
- Why should we not play God?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of human genetic engineering from an ecocritical perspective, using Aldous Huxley's Brave New World as a case study. It explores the ethical implications of manipulating human nature, particularly in the context of a dystopian future where genetic engineering has been used to create a rigid social hierarchy and eliminate individual autonomy.
- The relationship between human nature and technology
- The impact of genetic engineering on social structures and individual identity
- The ethical implications of playing God and altering human nature
- The role of ecocriticism in understanding the relationship between humans and the environment
- The potential for exploitation and inequality within a society based on genetic engineering
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces Aldous Huxley's Brave New World as a dystopian novel that explores the consequences of human genetic engineering. The chapter examines the novel's themes of social control, technology, and the manipulation of human nature.
The second chapter provides a definition of ecocriticism and its origins in literary studies. It discusses the relationship between nature and culture, and the importance of considering the social construction of nature.
The third chapter examines the advantages and disadvantages of human genetic engineering using Brave New World as a case study. It explores the potential benefits of genetic enhancement, such as increased intelligence and longevity, but also highlights the risks of creating a society based on genetic inequality and the loss of individual autonomy. The chapter concludes by considering the ethical implications of human genetic engineering and the question of whether we should "play God."
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ecocriticism, human genetic engineering, dystopian literature, Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, social control, technology, nature, culture, exploitation, inequality, ethics, playing God, anthropocentrism, eco-Marxism.
- Quote paper
- Michelle Klein (Author), 2016, Ecocriticism on Human Genetic Engineering in Aldous Huxley’s "Brave New World", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/337798
