Bedre gener – Bedre liv? : En filosofisk analyse av genetisk helbredelse og forbedring av barn som en moralsk forpliktelse med utgangspunkt i Julian Savulescu sine meninger

Abstract

In this thesis I will take a closer look at Julian Savulescu’s opinions that parents have a moral obligation to heal and enhance their children’s genes because, according to him, it will give them the chance of a better life than letting nature decide with its unpredictable outcome. I will look into different theories of well-being and discuss if enhancements will in fact give someone a better life than what’s natural before I will argue in favor of using passive genetic interventions to heal the most severe illnesses instead of enhancing. I will also claim that parents do have a moral obligation to treat these severe illnesses if they have the possibility and resources needed to do so.