I was a sorcerer in AD&D. Here I hope to be interesting--at least to someone.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ethical Question

During a routine genetics study, DNA in a blood sample taken from one of the volunteer subjects (Adam) is found to produce a naturally occurring substance which can be modified into a cure for cancer. In order to produce said cure, a great deal more DNA would be required.

When told about the cure, and asked to donate more DNA, Adam refuses to donate his DNA for religious reasons. The scientists then take every legal means at their disposal to force Adam to give up DNA in order to produce the cure, to no avail.

Finally, the scientists arrange to have Adam kidnapped, whereupon, against his will, they take large quantities of his DNA, and in the process cause his accidental death. They begin to produce the cure, and prepare to make it available to the general public for free. It is named the Adam Cure.

A junior scientist (Bob) working at the laboratory where the Adam Cure is produced has a crisis of conscience, and breaks in one night to steal it. He is trapped by security guards in a room where he holds everyone back by threatening to destroy the Adam Cure.

Question: Should Bob destroy the Adam Cure, or allow it to be distributed to the general public?

I'd rather hear your opinions before I give my own.

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ah good question! I think do not destroy the cure. This does not mean that the end justifies the means - only that destroying the cure cannot undo the wrong done to Adam. If destroying the cure could bring adam back - that would be a different matter.

April 21, 2011 10:44 PM

 

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