Is cloning safer, than what exactly? When cloning the individual is replicated with all of its faults. Is there a limit to the number of times a clone may be taken of a clone?
The term 'eugenics' comes to mind. Very popular until well into the twentieth century, when the Nazis got carried away. At that time not enough was known about genetics and nothing about DNA as far as I'm aware.
Today scientists have begun mapping the human genome. Seems to me that it may only be a matter of time before prospective parents can design their offspring. Eliminating genetic diseases and even pick skin and eye colour, height, and eliminate male pattern balding. Who would get to choose? The parents, after all it's they who will be paying for the procedures. Exactly what they choose will depend on societal norms at the time.
There's an interesting film based on that premise, 'Gatticca'. It shows a future society with two distinct classes of people; the privileged, whose parents designed them, and those conceived and born naturally. They are called 'invalids' and all but the most menial a jobs are closed to them.
A good idea? Morally, possibly not. Practically, probably a great idea if you happen to be rich. Perhaps such would eventually be available to all. I can't see where it could be in an hierarchical capitalist society.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca
The term 'eugenics' comes to mind. Very popular until well into the twentieth century, when the Nazis got carried away. At that time not enough was known about genetics and nothing about DNA as far as I'm aware.
Today scientists have begun mapping the human genome. Seems to me that it may only be a matter of time before prospective parents can design their offspring. Eliminating genetic diseases and even pick skin and eye colour, height, and eliminate male pattern balding. Who would get to choose? The parents, after all it's they who will be paying for the procedures. Exactly what they choose will depend on societal norms at the time.
There's an interesting film based on that premise, 'Gatticca'. It shows a future society with two distinct classes of people; the privileged, whose parents designed them, and those conceived and born naturally. They are called 'invalids' and all but the most menial a jobs are closed to them.
A good idea? Morally, possibly not. Practically, probably a great idea if you happen to be rich. Perhaps such would eventually be available to all. I can't see where it could be in an hierarchical capitalist society.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca
