Adam Bauer

WRT 205
Panthee
Extended Inquiry Project Proposal

Genetic engineering is a premier controversial technology recently incorporated into the

everyday life. First, genetic engineering has established itself within the plant and other food

related industries, but has morphed itself into even choosing the eye color of a child. Is this

ethical? Should we be able to play god? These are the questions emphasized in today’s

technological universe. In the TED Talk posted below, Paul Knoepfler discusses the pros and

cons of genetic engineering on our children. Similarly, Knoepler analyzes how we as a society

can benefit from this technology. For example, ridding our future children of rare DNA mutations

and an enhanced awareness of prenatal care. However, this technology digs itself into choosing

the height of the child, eye color, and even personality traits. While this may sound like a

parents dream, is it a reality for all? Can the average family afford this rare technology or just

the rich and powerful? This important issue is worth discussing as it not only affects the few but

the majority.

In the TedX Talk, Knoepfler goes into detail of why genetic engineering came to be,

where it is now, and his hopes for the future. As paraphrased by Knoepfler, imagine a world of

genetic diseases eliminated from existence, would you take that opportunity? After discussing

with our group, we decided there are a few cons but overall the pros exceeded our

expectations. As previously stated, there are cons to this genetic masterpiece. For example,

Knoepfler discusses how this engineering comes at a costly price for the average person if a

true “genetic engineering for babies” were to exist. This, in return, would create a have vs have

not dilemma which is a concern to be addressed in the near future. Meanwhile, Knoepfler

glosses over a main issue: could this engineering harm or destroy the fetus? While Knoepfler

does discuss preventative measures to make sure this does not occur, he does not provide

statistical evidence proving so. We, as a group, believe this is a utilization of the “kairos” mode
of persuasion. Also, Knoepfler uses ethos in his discussion by targeting the ethical and

emotional aspects of genetic engineering. After reviewing the evidence of the TedX Talk, we as

a group believe interviewing peers, analyzing statistical evidence, and anonymous surveys are

the three most viable ways to provide feedback on our topic. Moreover, having interviews will

give us on the spot results as well as statistical evidence, which will then be thoroughly

compared to the surveys. We believe anonymous surveys are the best way to go in order to

keep bias out of the responses.

Overall, we believe genetic engineering is a viable topic to explore due to the fact that it

is a constantly changing topic in the field of technology. Knoepfler and his thoughts will be

compared by three evidence feedbacks, and will allow us to further explain the topic. Ethos,

Logos, and Pathos all apply in the field of genetic engineering as this is an emotional, not

standard topic. All in all, genetic engineering is a prime inquiry in today’s day and age.