4 ms·
I believe it is more about who get to have access to this and the social consequences of that. It could conceivably create a permanent class structure where tho
by Y-bar 7y ago
I believe it is more about who get to have access to this and the social consequences of that. It could conceivably create a permanent class structure where those who can afford to have “perfect” healthy, smarter, longer living, and so on offspring will inevitably exploit that position. It could make me the wealth and class divides with better care and better schools the rich can afford we see today seem quaint in comparison.
- philipkglass 7y agoWhy are genetic medical technologies going to remain exclusive to the rich any more than prior revolutionary medical technologies like vaccines, hormonal birth control, or antibiotics? Genetic technologies in general have undergone prolonged cost decreases that don't look to be anywhere near exhausted. Patents restrict access for a couple of decades at most. If the enabling technology is affordable and patents are expired, I see no reason that genetic technology use cannot become widespread. "Not dying of infectious diseases in childhood" used to be a luxury of the rich too, but it didn't ossify into a permanent class marker.
- cat199 7y agoWhy are financial instruments going to remain exclusive to the elite any more than prior revolutionary economic technologies like agriculture, refrigeration, or pasteurization? Financial instruments in general have undergone prolonged cost decreases that don't look to be anywhere near exhausted. Patents restrict access for a couple of decades at most. If the enabling technology is affordable and patents are expired, I see no reason that financial instrument use cannot become widespread. "Not dying of poverty in childhood" was never a luxury of the elite, and it always ossified into a permanent class marker.