In the 1920s and '30s, scientists from both the political left and right would not have found the idea of designer babies particularly dangerous- though of course they would not have used that phrase. Today, due to the work of Adolf Hitler, the idea is felt too dangerous to even discuss among prominent scientists. Nobody wants to be caught agreeing with that monster, even in a single particular.
The spectre of Hitler has led some scientists to deny breeding for human qualities is even possible.
But if you can breed cattle for milk yield, horses for running speed, and dogs for herding skill, why on earth should it be impossible to breed humans for mathematical, musical, or athletic abilities? Objections such as 'these are not one-dimensional abilities' apply equally to cows, horses, and dogs and never stopped anyone in practice.
There is growing evidence that average racial differences in intelligence may well be intractable and partially genetic- shown through the work of scientists such as Arthur Jensen and John Philippe Rushton. Nobel prize winner and DNA pioneer James Watson is a supporter of this research.
I wonder whether, some sixty years after hitlers death, we might at least venture to ask what the moral difference is between breeding for musical ability and forcing a child to take music lessons. Or why it is acceptable to train fast runners and high jumpers but not to breed them.
It's important to remember, even if group differences in racial intelligence are proven, and even if we begin to breed superior human traits, it in no way invalidates the universal nature of human rights.
The spectre of Hitler has led some scientists to deny breeding for human qualities is even possible.
But if you can breed cattle for milk yield, horses for running speed, and dogs for herding skill, why on earth should it be impossible to breed humans for mathematical, musical, or athletic abilities? Objections such as 'these are not one-dimensional abilities' apply equally to cows, horses, and dogs and never stopped anyone in practice.
There is growing evidence that average racial differences in intelligence may well be intractable and partially genetic- shown through the work of scientists such as Arthur Jensen and John Philippe Rushton. Nobel prize winner and DNA pioneer James Watson is a supporter of this research.
I wonder whether, some sixty years after hitlers death, we might at least venture to ask what the moral difference is between breeding for musical ability and forcing a child to take music lessons. Or why it is acceptable to train fast runners and high jumpers but not to breed them.
It's important to remember, even if group differences in racial intelligence are proven, and even if we begin to breed superior human traits, it in no way invalidates the universal nature of human rights.
