Time to question bioengineering.

[BloodyHeretic]

So these "liberal artists" are knowledgeable to the same degree as the experts? Hardly.

Not to mention, I spend pretty much all my time around scientists and engineers -- I hear that complaint often. But I suppose that's a "profoundly ignorant" statement.

Yes it is profoundly ignorant of scientists, or anyone, to suggest that liberal artists have nothing to contribute to a scientific ethics debate. The objection that they know 'jack shit' should perhaps exclude you from the debate.

Except that primate research is heavily regulated and controlled. Kind of hard to make a solid point when the outcomes require significant changes that are unlikely to occur? Once again, fear is a tool.

If there is a profound issue with controlling other organisms, then controlling an insect should be no worse a travesty.

I think you said it well yourself "There is a great need to understand the limits and capabilities of our fellow animals, only if to better evaluate what we can do and can't do, for ethical, scientific reasons". I don't think the fly is equivalent to the chimp because of it's limits and capabilities. Seems you don't either.

We'll be able to direct our own evolution (Neo-evolution).

I don't think you understand what evolution is then. Perhaps you meant transhumanism?

I did indeed mean transhumanism. I said Neo-evolution because after watching this video I thought they were the same thing.

Is there a problem with this? I haven't suggested mindless fear as a route to go down, all I said is that it's an emotional response to this subject which comes up, fairly understandably.

Sex with furniture - is there a problem with this? Developing nuclear technology - is there a problem with this? Letting certain people marry - is there a problem with this?

By adding the 'problem' part, you load the question into searching for a negative. If you wish for a discussion, then aren't you searching for a "what are the consequences of something"?

Yes if you like.

Why you have to be so unpleasant about it is beyond me.

You just like being obnoxious? Fair enough.