Synthetic Biology Most Eminent Mr.

Synthetic Biology

Most Eminent Mr. Darwin-

You would be most surprised, I would hazard to guess, at the many advances the science of biology has been able to take thanks to your contribution of the theory of evolution, especially when combined with technologies and discoveries in other fields. Computer technologies make tasks that would otherwise be prohibitively complicated or time consuming relatively simple and amazingly quick, and other technologies allow scientists to see ever-smaller mechanisms at work in the creation and perpetuation of life. The combination of all of these various scientific pursuits and advances is far greater than the sum of its constituent parts, and is perhaps greater than ever thought possible -- or even advisable.

You see, Charles, one of the many things that these new technologies and discoveries have led to is the establishment of a new branch of science, synthetic biology. This is the application of biological and engineering principles and techniques to the creation of synthetic life-forms, or synthetically-altered life-forms, usually for some direct and explicit practical purpose such as the secretion of a specific chemical or molecule, or performing any number of complex functions. Much of what synthetic biology attempts to do is largely harmless and without ethical issue -- the altering of E. coli bacteria to blink on and off in unison does not carry heavy ethical implications with it, and is even of relatively limited practical use (Science 2004). Other alterations could help find cures for diseases and have many other practical applications.

Other possibilities using the techniques of synthetic biology are not so certain. AMny fear that such knowledge and capabilities will lead to the eventual genetic altering of mankind, and perhaps even the purposeful creation of an alternative being that will supplant humanity with a new race of "persons," possibly humanoid but in reality synthetically designed to be better than humans in their interactions with the world, use of resources, et cetera (Oxford 2008). While this is a future that is heralded by some as the next logical step in our own evolution -- why let it occur haphazardly and slowly if it can be accomplished through careful planning and design? -- others see this stance as full of dangerous hubris, and an insistence that humanity knows best despite the fact that it has shown itself time and time again willing to grossly misuse available technologies to detrimental ends. The synthetic creation of other "persons" and even the alteration of existing human beings is fraught with many ethical considerations, not the least of which is the fact that we simply don't know what we don't know -- the effects of such synthesis are likely to be surprising and unexpected, despite the best of intentions and the most careful planning.