This blog post was composed with the assistance of AI in response to an earlier blog post by a colleague, who voiced their concerns about the use of AI in writing a blog post or for academic purposes. If we are to truly commit to (bio)technology, then we need to make sense of using things such as AI by not relying on them but by using them and assisting them to get better while improving our own capacity. They are still flawed technologies yet we have been using them for a while now in our referencing, our Research Searches (databases etc.) and our writing (Grammarly, Editor) and they are part of our ecosystem now. We need to approach AI with caution but also value it for what it’s worth, as we do with all innovative technologies too.
Within the dynamic landscape of biotechnology, the ethical implications of gene editing the human genome, have sparked intense debates and discussions. As we grapple with the power to manipulate the very building blocks of life, such as gene editing, it becomes crucial to consider ethical frameworks that prioritize the well-being of both individuals and the community. In this blog post, I will explore the application of Ubuntu, a Southern African philosophy emphasizing, harmony, interconnectedness and communal values, to address the controversial issues surrounding gene editing.
“You know when ubuntu is there, and it is obvious when it is absent. It has to do with what it means to be truly human, to know that you are bound up with others in the bundle of life.”
– Desmond Tutu
1. Community Deliberation: Fostering Inclusive Decision-Making
As an ethic Ubuntu is commonly associated with the maxim “umuntu ngu muntu nga bantu” which roughly translates as I am because we are. Ubuntu encourages collective decision-making, urging us to seek consensus through inclusive dialogue. In the realm of biotech ethics, this has implications for a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, ethicists, community representatives, and affected individuals, in the decision-making process. When it comes to engagement and involvement, Ubuntu recognises all the stakeholders and their consensus is a vital element when it comes to enabling harmonious decision making and deliberation. By engaging in transparent and inclusive deliberations, we can ensure that the voices of the community shape the ethical landscape of gene editing technologies.
2. Balancing Individual and Community Interests: A Harmonious Approach
When it comes to the specific approach, Ubuntu calls for a harmonious balance between individual and community interests. In addressing gene editing controversies, this principle invites us to consider the potential benefits and risks at both the individual and societal levels. It also invites us to engage in a way that is charitable, engaging with a variety of voices and traditions to rather bridge the gap created by our differences, or to use our differences as means to generate new ways of thinking about some of these vital issues. Striking a balance ensures that advancements in biotechnology contribute positively to the well-being of individuals while safeguarding the broader community’s interests.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Embracing Diversity in Ethics
With everyone being recognised as a human being for their humanity, regardless of differences, Ubuntu places a high value on cultural diversity. Applying this principle to biotech ethics means recognising and respecting diverse cultural perspectives on genetic modifications. This means the entire spectrum, from traditional to progressive models, are equally considered regarding the ethics of gene modification. Moreso, even the spiritual dimensions are considered in this case even if they may not have as much evidence backing them. Different communities may have distinct views on what is ethically acceptable, and incorporating these perspectives fosters a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to decision-making.
4. Shared Responsibility for Ethics: Engaging the Whole Community
Because consensus is a condition for Ubuntu, this philosophy also underscores shared responsibility. The members are equally valued for their contributions, roles and responsibility and everyone has value in this context. In the context of biotech ethics, this implies that ethical decision-making is not the sole responsibility of scientists or policymakers. Instead, it involves the active engagement of the broader community. Decisions about gene editing should be collaborative, with input from those who will be directly affected, ensuring a more democratic and collectively responsible approach. Moreso, the onus of policymaking falls on all the stakeholders and the maintenance of any policy equally requires all the stakeholders too.
5. Sustainable and Responsible Innovation: Looking Beyond the Horizon
Ubuntu encourages an approach to biotech innovation that is inclusive, sustainable and responsible. Considering the long-term consequences of genetic modifications on both individuals and the community aligns with Ubuntu’s principles of interconnectedness and shared well-being. This approach ensures that advancements in biotechnology contribute positively to the present and future health of our communities. Moreso, the innovations of biotechnology ought to have sight of the various distinctions of various communities, looking at ways in which their traditions and identity are not overlooked and erased by these innovations. Instead, biotechnologies rather look for ways in which innovations, such as gene editing, are expressed in ways that give value to the identities and traditions of various communities.
“Genetic engineering is a result of science advancement, so I don’t think that in itself is bad. If used wisely, genetics can be beneficial, but they can be abused, too.”
– Hideo Kojima
In conclusion, the Ubuntu philosophy offers valuable insights for navigating the ethical challenges posed by gene editing in humans. By embracing collective decision-making, balancing individual and community interests, respecting cultural diversity, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting sustainable innovation, we can build an ethical framework that aligns with the principles of Ubuntu and ensures the responsible development of biotechnologies for the benefit of all.
Written by: Tony A. Shabangu, Ph.D
Written with the aid of ChatGPT 3.5.
