TEXT 8 for question 43-46

    The study of genetic is today so far advances that we shall soon be able to produce a kind of genetically perfect 'superman' using technique known as 'genetic engineering'. At first this may seem an attractive possibility, but when we consider it in detail, we find there are many problems involved.

    A distinction is usually made between 'negative' and 'positive' genetic engineering. In negative engineering we try to eliminate harmful genes to produce genetically normal people. The aim is of course a desirable one; however, it does pose the problem of what a harmful gene is. Genes are not really either 'good' or 'bad'. The gene which causes certain forms of anemia, for example, can also protect against malaria. If we eliminate this gene, we may get rid of anemia, but we increase the risk of malaria.

    In positive genetic engineering we try to create better people by developing the so-called 'good' genes. But although this form of genetic engineering will give us a greater control over mankind's future, there are several reasons for caution. First, there is no possibility of mistakes. While accepting those geneticists are responsible people, we must also admit that things can go wrong, the result being the kind of monster we read about in horror stories. Secondly, there is the problem of deciding what make a 'better' person. We may feel, for example, that if genetic engineering can create more intelligent people, then this is a good thing. On the other hand, intelligence does not necessarily lead to happiness. Do we really want to create people who are intelligent, but perhaps unhappy.

    The basic question is weather or not we should interfere with human life. We can argue that much human progress (particularly in medicine) involves interference with life. To some extent this is true, but we should not forget the terrible consequences genetic engineering can have. Consider for example the possibilities of genetic warfare, in which our enemies try to harm us using the techniques of genetic engineering.

44. The communicative purpose of the text is to ....