What if science had no ethical limitations- no lines we refuse to cross or boundaries left unguarded? The idea of creating our own Captain America wouldn’t just be feasible but rather inevitable. But should we seize this genetic power simply because we can? By embarking on the creation of a superhuman we would be reshaping the very definition of humanity. Life’s struggles and limitations which have historically driven human growth will diminish. The question will not be “should we do this” but rather “what else can we do?” Read on as we delve into the ethics surrounding creating an omnipotent hero.
The Science Behind “Super Humans”
First, let’s understand how we would theoretically accomplish this. With the advent of technologies such as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and other genetic-editing tools, research scientists can now selectively modify the DNA of living organisms. These advancements in technology have created a “genetic roadmap” to creating our very own “Cap.”
One potential approach to making this a reality would involve combining human DNA with the genetic code of various animals, incorporating traits such as the healing powers of sharks, the regeneration abilities of jellyfish, low-light vision of snakes etc. However, creating a “super serum” goes beyond simply combining human DNA with animal traits; there are several innovative methods and technologies to be explored. For example, we could gene edit through synthetic biology, allowing us to custom design genes that will enhance functions in our body. Additionally, manipulating stem cells could lead to significant tissue enhancement. A particularly nifty way to achieve this effect on a human is through nanotechnology, which offers nanoparticle delivery systems to target specific cells with enhancements.
So, if we have the capabilities to do this, why haven’t we done it yet?
The answer lies in a complex interplay of ethical, legal, and practical barriers. A key ethical question centers on whether creating a superhuman strays into losing the concept of being human. Gene editing is a transformative process and for many is akin to “playing God.” DNA is our biological blueprint, and altering it directly changes who you are. Even if we approach this debate from a non religious standpoint we would introduce a dystopian form of social stratification, in other words mess up the natural order of the classification system. The introduction of these enhanced individuals would create a hierarchy based on genetic modifications, where people of the higher class (who have access to such technology) would elevate their status beyond the average population. Imagine a world where you are discriminated for being superhuman or, well, a regular human.
Super Humans in Society
Moreover, the creation of genetically modified super humans could have immediate consequences on the biological hierarchy and natural interactions between species. One significant concern is the potential for ecological imbalance. These individuals will be able to exploit and compete for resources far more effectively than other species- leading to a decline or even extinctions of native species. More far-fetched, the introduction of enhanced cognitive abilities could enable humans to engage with species in unprecedented ways, which could be good- fostering deeper understandings and communications between species but remains an easy way to potential exploitation. Where humans could influence animal actions, or even begin this process of genetic modification on animals- fostering an environment which could disrupt local ecosystems.
Super Humans in Government
One of the most concerning aspects of creating super-soldiers is the inevitable political abuse by governments all around the world. It would be similar to the nuclear arms race but rather who could create the strongest, most lethal killing machines. Consider the potential of a dictator with an army of Captain America’s prepared to crush an army of normal soldiers. So far, the heroism of Captain America feels more like the beginnings of global instability.
Scientific Risk of Super Humans
Let’s take a break from ethics and focus on the scientific risk of genetic editing. Despite its name, it is not as simple as adding a pinch of strength or a spoonful of endurance. Rather, these modifications cause significant health problems to the subjects. Unlike the now rampant use of GM plants or insulin-producing bacteria, mistakes on humans can’t just be discarded- and are impossible to reverse. The complexity of the human genome means that even small alterations can result in unforeseen complications if not immediate than apparent effects many years after birth, these could include increased susceptibility to disease, disorder or even death. This unpredictability raises the substantial potential for new genetic disorders to emerge in future generations.
Whilst, creating a Captain America would be an incredible achievement as far as science goes, it underscores a prominent problem we have even now: the extraordinary, becoming the norm and thus pressurizing everyone to conform. This trend is evident in modern technology such as botox, plastic surgery and steroids- making us question where do we draw the line? After all, it is crucial that we understand that it is impurities and imperfections that make us human. Therefore, as tempting as it might be to unleash super humans, there is too much on the line. The reason why these beings remain fictional is that humans by nature cannot be trusted. The potential consequences extend beyond the individual and impact society, environment and crucially what it means to be human.
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