Question

Suppose that gene therapy could be used to lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in the blood, thus allowing people to consume fat-rich fried foods with little risk of heart disease. However, this treatment might not work for everyone, and there would be no way of knowing in advance who would benefit. As a result, some people would inevitably die prematurely from heart disease. Should such gene therapy be approved for use in humans? Answer this question by briefly describing how a bioethicist who believes in a utilitarian approach might view this scenario, and contrast this perspective with a deontological viewpoint.

Answer 1

Utilitarian approach has the idea of a good deed to be the one which gives outcomes which are for the greatest good, creating least harm, whereas deontological approach is the theory that the morality of an action is decided on the basis of the deeds under some rules and not on the ultimate outcomes.

In case of ethics in gene therapy it is always important to perform actions and undertake experiments which are aligned with the common good of all,which is ought to not cause  any damage to the present as well as future generations.

A bioethicist who has an utilitarian approach will definately not approve this gene therapy without few considerations. He or she will view the therapy as a partial experiment which is not yet properly ready to be used on people as there is an uncertainity of the functioning of the treatment in different individuals. This on his point of view would bring a havoc in the lives of people by encouraging them to feed on unhealthy diet giving the assurance of low risk .

Whereas for a bioethist with a deotological view , if all the set rules and protocol of an experimentation and development of the therapy are followed , he will consider this work to be perfect to be used on people. A bioethist with a deontological view point lack certain way of analysing a situation as he wil stick only to the set principles . He will approve this therapy due to lack of judgement and believing on the rules which may actually not be appropriate for all the situations.

Thankyou