Julian

Julian Savulescu – “Procreative Beneficence: Why We Should Select the Best Children”

1. Why does Julian Savulescu think there is a moral obligation to employ technologies to enhance human capacities?

  • Savulescu argues that using genetic technologies to enhance human capacities aligns with the Principle of Procreative Beneficence, which holds that parents have a moral obligation to select children with the best chances of living the best lives.

  • He believes that genetic selection can reduce suffering and promote well-being, making it a rational and ethical choice for prospective parents when genetic information is available​.

2. What is the principle of procreative beneficence?

  • The Principle of Procreative Beneficence states that:

    • Parents should select the child, from the possible children they could have, who is expected to have the best life based on available genetic information.

    • This principle applies to both disease-related and non-disease-related traits if they significantly impact well-being​.

3. On what grounds does Savulescu argue we can extend his argument to non-disease genes?

  • Savulescu extends his argument to non-disease genes by emphasizing their impact on well-being:

    • Traits like intelligence, memory, or temperament are general-purpose means that enhance life opportunities, regardless of a person’s specific goals or life plans.

    • He argues that selecting for such traits is consistent with promoting the best possible life for a child and aligns with the broader goal of maximizing well-being​.

4. What objections does Savulescu consider against his view? How does he respond?

  • Harm to the Child:

    • Objection: Genetic selection for non-disease traits could harm children by creating excessive parental expectations or limiting their future autonomy.

    • Response: Savulescu argues that parental expectations are manageable through counseling and that genetic selection does not harm children who otherwise would not exist​.

  • Inequality:

    • Objection: Selecting traits like intelligence may increase social inequality.

    • Response: Savulescu contends that addressing social inequality through institutional reform is preferable to restricting reproductive choices. He also distinguishes between the moral value of reducing disability and respecting individuals with disabilities​.

  • Playing God/Interfering with Nature:

    • Objection: Genetic selection may be seen as unnatural or playing God.

    • Response: Savulescu dismisses this as irrational, arguing that using available information to improve well-being is both natural and ethical​.

  • Eugenics Concerns:

    • Objection: Genetic selection may resemble coercive eugenics.

    • Response: Savulescu emphasizes the difference between coercive eugenics and the private, voluntary nature of procreative beneficence, which respects individual autonomy​