TITLE:
Biotechnology: Science versus Value—Laden Decisions
AUTHORS:
Berhanu Abraha Tsegay, Alemayehu Bishaw Tamiru
KEYWORDS:
Biocentric; Ethics; Instinct; Morality; Trophic Level; Utilitarian
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Philosophy,
Vol.4 No.2,
May
6,
2014
ABSTRACT: This paper explains
the philosophical justifications of values on decisions in biotechnology, and compares
the ethical values of animals and plants in our day-to-day activity in general
and in modifying their genes in particular. We have posed some questions on the
current ethical views with regard to the morality on manipulating plants. Since
plants, like all other organisms, are destined to be used by humans and so
far, we uphold the stability and integrity of the living system, and it is
ethical to genetically manipulate plants and use them for our interests.
However, we should have the moral obligation to regard their inherent value as
we do for animals.