JOURNAL ENTRY: FUTURE OF HUMANITY

Journal Entry: Future of Humanity

In the case study 10.1, professor Sarkar makes an observation indicating that Dr. Oliver Dickerson is involved in falsification, which is a form of research misconduct. Even though professor Sarkar indicates that she is not making an allegation of misconduct against her colleague, it is important to note that she provided evidence on what could be done to determine the said misconduct. Therefore, as the institutional research integrity officer, I am obliged to deal promptly with the evidence provided by Sarkar about possible falsification for it is more acceptable to do what is just and right (Prov 21:3). For this reason, I will first review the evidence provided formally to determine whether Dickerson is indeed involved in the reported misconduct. If I find out that the said doctor is involved in falsification as indicated by the evidence, I will determine the appropriate sanctions for him and ensure that Sarkar is protected from retaliation. However, if after reviewing the evidence I find out that Dickerson is not involved, then I will take the relevant steps so as to restore his reputation.

In the second case study 10.3, it would be prudent to note that Joshua Hanani did not protect the privacy of the DNA gel analysis image when he decided to share his critique with his faculty colleague. This is more so the case given that, as an independent investigator, he should have ensured that the image was protected by keeping the information confidential. In addition, it was ethically wrong for Joshua to tell his editor to underexpose the DNA images to make them invisible. Moreover, Ellen behaved unethically when she offered an alternative solution indicating that the image should be cropped. If I were to advise them, I would first direct Joshua ensure maintenance of privacy for the DNA gel analysis he was performing. In addition, Joshua should follow relevant procedures associated with the said analysis by, for instance, conducting the hypothesis even though it was likely to take 6 to 8 months for it to complete. Joshua should also present the DNA gel analysis image as it appeared in the paper.

Genetic testing happens to be a useful procedure in medical practices. This is more so the case given that it helps in determination...

However, it would be prudent to note that taking samples of an individuals DNA and analyzing the same could have some ethical implications. For instance, genetic tests may have negative consequences on the people involved. Essentially, individuals who are found to have some genetic...…this proposal in mind, there is need to point out that according to Dickens (2002), sex determination may also be promoting of sexism which may lead to discrimination against a certain gender. As a consequence, sex selected abortion may result. This would be morally wrong.

Surrogacy is poised as ethical if it happens to be altruistic. However, the said procedure may be unethical if it involves potential complications and risks. With regard to surrogacy being altruistic, it means that the woman involved willingly decided to help a couple by carrying a pregnancy for them. By doing so, the surrogate would be following the example of what Bilha did when she agreed to bore Jacob a child when Rachael established that she was not able to bear any child for Jacob (Gen 30:1-24). In such a case, both the surrogate and the involved couple voluntarily sign an agreement (Shenfield et al, 2005). Essentially, the said parties agree to have restrictions regarding their autonomy. Therefore, the surrogate mother has moral obligations to take care of herself during pregnancy and she also has the freedom to terminate the said pregnancy if it poses risk to her life. Surrogacy would be unethical when the involved surrogate is forced to carry the pregnancy against her will, and if carrying the pregnancy would lead…