Exploring the Ethics of Biotechnology

Addressing Ethical Issues of Genetically Engineered Seeds

• There is an intrinsic objection to biotechnology due to its alleged unnaturalness and playing “God” by interfering with nature.
• Biotechnology is seen as going against nature and crossing natural species boundaries, which is morally objectionable.
• Religious beliefs and principles, such as in Islam, can influence the moral concerns surrounding biotechnology.
• Ethical principles such as rights theory, theories of justice, consequentialism, utilitarianism, precautionary principle, environmental ethics, and religion can guide decision-making around biotechnology.
• A method for addressing ethical issues related to biotechnology involves asking questions about the harm envisaged, the information available, the options, ethical principles to guide decisions, and how to reach moral closure.
• Sound ethical judgments require a thorough understanding of the scientific facts surrounding biotechnology.
• Creative problem-solving and identifying the objectives and interests of stakeholders can help protect their interests.
• Ethical values such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and civic virtue should be prioritized over non-ethical values such as money and power.
• Environmental ethics and the religious and cultural values of multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries like Malaysia should also be considered.
• Ethical decision-making should allow for the participation and representation of all stakeholders, and compromise solutions should be reached in ways that consider all interests.
• Pioneer Hi-Breed withdrew GM peanuts containing a gene from Brazil nut, despite investing much money in their development, due to their allergenic properties, demonstrating an ethical decision.
• Halal products and sources of genes are important considerations for Muslims, and the use of genetically engineered seeds can have significant impacts on agriculture and the environment.