GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: ORF
Example 1: Biohacking: Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, has received approval to begin the first human trial of its brain implant designed for paralysis patients.
About the Trial:
The trial will focus on individuals with paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuralink aims to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) to allow participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
What is Biohacking?
Biohacking is the practice of modifying and enhancing human biology and physiology, often using technological and genetic interventions, to improve various aspects of health, cognition, and physical capabilities.
While it offers opportunities for improved health and cognitive enhancement, it raises significant ethical, social, and regulatory concerns.
Ethical Issues concerned:
| Ethical Issue | Description |
| Genetic Modification | Altering one’s DNA or genes raises concerns about unintended consequences, long-term effects, and ethical boundaries. |
| Informed Consent | Ensuring individuals fully understand and consent to biohacking procedures, especially when they involve risks. |
| Access Inequality | Biohacking may be more accessible to individuals with financial resources, creating disparities in enhancement opportunities. |
| Safety and Health Risks | The potential for unsafe procedures, misuse of substances, or long-term health risks associated with biohacking. |
| Privacy and Data | The collection and sharing of biological and genetic data may raise privacy concerns and data security issues. |
| DIY Approaches | The DIY nature of biohacking can lead to unregulated and risky experiments, posing dangers to participants and society. |
| Ethical Boundaries | Defining ethical limits in biohacking, such as what enhancements are permissible and where to draw the line. |
| Public Health | The introduction of unproven treatments into the market and inadequate safety measures may harm public health. |
| Environmental Impact | Poorly handled genetic materials and reagents can lead to environmental contamination, raising ecological concerns. |
Example 2: Iran Protests: One year after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked protests in Iran, the country has witnessed a clampdown on dissent by its rulers. The protests initially began after Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman, died following her arrest for alleged dress code violations.
Ethical issues concerned here are:
| Ethical Issues | Description |
| Gender-based Oppression | The enforcement of strict dress codes for women limited their freedom and caused defiance and protests. |
| Injustice and Human Rights | Violation of human rights, including the right to protest and freedom of expression, through the crackdown on protests. |
| Excessive Use of Force | The use of excessive force by security forces, led to the deaths and injuries of protesters. |
| Censorship and Surveillance | Restricting access to messaging apps, surveillance through cameras, and censorship of dissenting voices. |
| Ethnic Discrimination | Discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchis, who faced intense protests and repression. |
| Intimidation and Fear | Intimidation, threats, and arrests targeting activists, journalists, and those connected to protests. |
