Parrhesia

Parrhesia explores the intersection of genetic enhancement, bioethics, and cognitive ability through a critical lens, often challenging conventional ethical and social norms. It addresses the implications of genetic research, polygenic screening, in vitro gametogenesis, and embryo selection on society, culture, and individual decision-making.

Genetic Enhancement Bioethics Cognitive Ability Embryo Selection In Vitro Gametogenesis Polygenic Screening Social and Ethical Implications of Genetic Research Human Nature and Political Theory

The hottest Substack posts of Parrhesia

And their main takeaways
494 implied HN points 09 Mar 24
  1. Several scientists and professional organizations criticize polygenic embryo screening for polygenic disorders due to concerns like lack of validation and utility.
  2. The article argues that the recommendation against polygenic embryo screening is flawed because it doesn't compare the method to other acceptable alternatives like selection based on embryo morphology.
  3. The authors suggest that the critique against polygenic embryo screening lacks consideration of the ethical implications and does not provide a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
647 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  1. Opponents of IVF may need to extend their beliefs to also include opposition to natural conception, as it results in the loss of embryos similar to IVF.
  2. Banning IVF raises the issue of a paradox where excess embryos are never created nor destroyed, leading to no children being born.
  3. A consistent stance against IVF should logically also entail a stance against natural conception, due to the loss of embryos that often occurs in both processes.
608 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. In vitro gametogenesis can potentially improve accessibility of in vitro fertilization and enable same-sex couples to have biological offspring.
  2. In vitro gametogenesis opens up possibilities for multiplex parenting, where multiple individuals contribute genetically to create offspring.
  3. Multiplex parenting arrangements offer benefits like diversified labor, parental duties, resource pooling, and larger families, despite ethical concerns.
799 implied HN points 11 Nov 23
  1. Polygenic scores can predict genetic traits but work better for populations they are 'trained' on.
  2. Social justice advocates stigmatizing genetic research may hinder opportunities for certain ethnic groups.
  3. Taboos around genetic research on traits like intelligence can limit the use of polygenic scores for reproductive decisions.
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951 implied HN points 11 Feb 23
  1. When facing attacks on controversial ideas, the abundance of weak arguments can actually provide evidence in favor of the idea.
  2. Laypeople often rely on crude heuristics when evaluating scientific research, which can be exploited by ideologically motivated academics.
  3. Critiques of taboo ideas using weak and moralistic arguments may be used as a substitute for substantive critiques, indicating a lack of substantial evidence against the idea.
532 implied HN points 27 May 23
  1. The video discusses polygenic embryo screening and families' choices regarding disease risk and genetic traits.
  2. There is a debate on screening for psychological traits like IQ, with differing views on the ethics of selecting such traits.
  3. Polygenic screening for traits beyond diseases may become more common, with potential moral implications to consider.
685 implied HN points 10 Apr 23
  1. In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) could revolutionize reproduction by providing more eggs for embryo creation.
  2. Increased availability of eggs through IVG can lead to significant gains in selecting embryos for desirable traits.
  3. Critics of genetic enhancement technologies should make fair comparisons with existing methods and consider the overall benefits.
456 implied HN points 01 May 23
  1. Comparisons, even sensitive ones, are crucial in scientific and political contexts.
  2. Ignoring genetics in discussions can lead to misunderstandings and replication problems.
  3. Selecting healthier embryos based on genetics for future children is reasonable and beneficial.
494 implied HN points 28 Feb 23
  1. Opposing polygenic screening due to eugenics objections may overlook the importance of informed reproductive choices.
  2. The immorality in eugenics lies in coercion and harming people, not in the goal of improving population health.
  3. It's important to have nuanced discussions about controversial topics like PGT-P, focusing on justice and informed decision-making.
456 implied HN points 07 Feb 23
  1. Heritability estimates can provide causally relevant information about traits
  2. Genetic influence is important, as shown by multiple studies
  3. High heritability suggests social interventions might not be very effective for highly heritable traits
380 implied HN points 21 Feb 23
  1. Genome-wide association studies have enabled geneticists to associate single nucleotide polymorphisms with physical and behavioral outcomes.
  2. Polygenic scores (PGS) can estimate risk based on a person's genome, aiding in embryo selection through preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic traits (PGT-P).
  3. Public attitudes towards services like PGT-P and gene editing for morally acceptable interventions show some acceptance but also raise concerns about stigmatization and potential misuse of genetic technologies.