DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE

SCHOOL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

SCITECH FOTIS2

Week 8 – Eugenics
Name:
Section:

The advancement of Science and Technology has always had its fair share of
pros and cons, and the field of Eugenics is anything but an exception. The human thirst
for a carefree life has led to so many discoveries that our yearning for comfort has led to
some dark times in human history. In this module, the history of Eugenics was
presented to you from the days of Plato to the modern times. While justified for its
advocacy throughout the ages, Eugenics will always be tied to ethical implications
because of the nature of its practice. Using the knowledge that you have gained (if you
have not yet read the module in BigSky, STOP HERE and read it first), answer the
questions below and justify your answers using the provided information in the module,
your own points of view, your ethical compass as well as the internet. Make sure to cite
your references properly (APA format)

1. Enumerate some positive and negative aspects of the practice of Eugenics. (10pts)
Positive Negative
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

2. Do you think that Galton and all the other intellectuals were right in their crusade to
purge humanity of negative traits? Explain your stand. (5pts)

3. Despite the negative connotations, why is it still necessary to pursue studies in the
field of Human Genetic Engineering? (5pts)
4. Suppose that you are part of the Ethics review board for a hospital and you are
presented with the following cases, you must decide on whether you will allow the
patients to undergo Prenatal Genetic Testing: (10pts)
(Prenatal Genetic Testing – tests that are done DURING PREGNANCY to either
screen for a specific trait or diagnose a birth defect. This can provide parents with
information to make informed choices regarding a pregnancy)

a. A couple with a genetic disease wants to avoid passing the disease to the
child

b. Couple wants to bear a second child with a compatible bone marrow for their
first child, who is suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

c. To help a short couple produce a tall child

d. Couple wants to select the sex of the child because they want a baby girl

e. A celebrity wants to choose the traits of her potential offspring (she has a LOT
of money)

References:

Once you are done, upload this to the designated Dropbox in BigSky