Genetic engineering and ethics

Abstract

Genetic engineering, particularly green genetic engineering, is highly controversial in Germany. In the ethical debate, one can distinguish between deontological and teleological arguments. The former include intrinsic arguments that categorically reject genetic engineering “in itself”, such as the naturalness of organisms, the integrity of genomes, transgression of species boundaries, or technicism. The latter focus on the consequences, such as the risks and opportunities of genetic engineering applications. To reach an ethical decision, various moral theories, values, and principles can be discussed.