Naked Science Forum
General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Joe L. Ogan on 30/01/2010 22:16:01
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Since some are blessed with superior intelligence and make great contribution for the good of mankind why don't we clone them, with their concurrence, so they may continue to make great contribution to humanity? It seems logical to me that we continue to use such a valuable resource. Thanks for comments. Joe L. Ogan
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While cloning was not an option at the time, the thought of the "Herrenrasse" has occurred to others before. Probably not what you had in mind, but it can go wrong lots of ways when you begin thinking that some are superior in some way and should become more.
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This would only work if intelligence was genetically inherited, in which case, and assuming that intelligence confers an evolutionary advantage, it would have already effectively happened.
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What we call intelligence are abilities which we happen to value today. We measure it with IQ tests that measure our ability to do IQ tests. If we force a society to change rapidly into some sort of monoculture there could be many abilities that will be lost forever. We may adapt but it is a risky strategy. As Karsten alluded to, Eugenics is a dangerous policy: who decides who is to be allowed to breed; who plays God? The Nazis thought aryans a master race and superior to others, but their knowledge and reasoning was flawed.
However, if cloning of a humean became viable, I assume that you are thinking that it may be advantageous to clone a few outstanding individuals rather than doing this on a large scale. I can see that it might be a reward for an outstanding contribution to the world. Perhaps cloning a Richard Feynman or Albert Einstein so that their abilities would be available in future times. But then who decides and on what basis? It should not be restricted to scientists as there are great intellects in many fields - would great military commanders or politicians be included? You could not exclude them. What about artists and musicians, great comedians, actors, sports-persons? The list goes on. It could also have a disadvantage of propagating single viewpoints that rarely get challenged.
However, I think it will be possible in the future, along with genetic selection of certain traits for one's offspring, so it will be something that society may have to deal with. Another Pandora's box.
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would great [...] politicians be included?
Surely the term 'great politicians' is an oxymoron?
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would great [...] politicians be included?
Surely the term 'great politicians' is an oxymoron?
Yea, but guess who would be making the decisions :-)
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Quite.
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Biodiversity is a good thing for people too.
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Biodiversity is a good thing for people too.
Very true Bored chemist, it happens to be the driving force behind evolution. The engine of change which has brought us this far and I'd prefer to stay on board myself. Messing with evolution could, at least in my opinion, do more harm than good.
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Not bad Joe.
And those girls with the equivalent to IQ too of course.
And my boots too, I kind'a like them :)
And my money, thinking of it.
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Hell, let's clone the planet. It needs it.
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Biodiversity is a good thing for people too.
Yes indeed. Not only are monocultures boring, but they're fragile too
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Anyone watch "Idiocracy"?