We’ve already cloned and genetically engineered animals. Scientists are just waiting for a greenlight, so that they can apply this science to humans. In some ways it’s even a stretch to say they are waiting. We have already cloned human embryos, which would grow up to be clones if we let them. There have also been numerous claims about humans who have already been cloned, but so far these claims have all been pretty sketchy. In the genetic engineering realm, we are already curing genetic diseases.

Should we be cloning and genetically engineering humans? If so, what should the limitations be?

Before answering this, it’s important to analyze the benefits and problems of each. These lists are what I consider the three most important important pros and cons.

Pros of Genetic Engineering:

1.Curing genetic disorders. Autism, heart problems, and cystic fibrosis could all be eliminated.
2.Enhancement. Making people smarter, stronger, healthier, and increasing lifespan.
3. Filling societies niches. Creating humans to fulfill specific purposes(geniuses, athletes, politicians, or even content slaves)

Cons of Genetic Engineering:

1.Risk of eliminating diversity. Sexual reproduction results in random changes that increase diversity. Curing genetic disorders and enhancement could severely reduce the frequency of these random changes. Nature continuously proves that diversity is necessary for survival.
2.Increasing lifespan. This could lead to resource problems, and long life might even slow down societies progression. Younger people are usually more willing to accept new ideas, and move forward with those ideas. If people lived to be 3000, it might be much harder for a 30-year-old to be at the top of their field.
3.Losing our humanity. This is something I think many people are concerned about, but that few address. Humans create, fight and explore. Since we probably aren’t optimized for any of these tasks, specialization could lead to humans becoming somewhat useless.

Pros of Cloning:

1.Life extension. You could clone copies of your organs. You might even be able to clone an entire body, so that you can move into it when your current one starts giving out.
2.Research. Clone a copy of a popular actor, or a copy of someone who is unique for any medical reason.
3.Niche filling. If someone is exceptionally good at something, clone a couple hundred of them. Imagine a basketball team full of Michael Jordans, or a team of Einsteins trying to solve physics problems.

Cons of Cloning:

1.As discussed earlier, life extension could lead to problems with resources and moving forward as a society.
2.Identity issues. Are all five hundred clones the same person? Who gets your parents inheritance? If you kill someone, and then clone yourself … There are many legal situations which could become ridiculous.
3. Diversity. Creating copies of people too often would be detrimental too diversity.

How can the cons be avoided while keeping the pros? I posted a follow up discussion to address this question.