Ecocriticism on Human Genetic Engineering in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World'

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Study Aids, ESL, Foreign Languages
Cover of the book Ecocriticism on Human Genetic Engineering in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' by Michelle Klein, GRIN Verlag
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michelle Klein ISBN: 9783668271579
Publisher: GRIN Verlag Publication: August 8, 2016
Imprint: GRIN Verlag Language: English
Author: Michelle Klein
ISBN: 9783668271579
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
Publication: August 8, 2016
Imprint: GRIN Verlag
Language: English

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1,7, University of Koblenz-Landau (Anglistik), course: Ecocriticism, language: English, abstract: Dignity is mankind's unique value, which gives humans the power of self-transcendence. This empowers them to be different to the natural nonhuman species (cf. Heyd 71). Science and engineering establish new ways and opportunities to accomplish the desire to improve humanity. By means of medical and genetic engineering man could be more intelligent, talented, beautiful, and crucially live a healthier and longer life without any particular effort. While this vision generates enthusiasm on the one hand, it triggers anxiety and scepticism on the other hand. Is gene alteration of human nature generally permissible and desirable? Will not authenticity and autonomy go astray when engineering makes us what we are? Are the social impacts sustainable or do we increase social and global inequality? A philosophical debate was raised about these and other questions in the recent years. The English term 'Enhancement' gained acceptance as the collective term for diverse physiological, psychological, cognitive and emotional improvement of mankind. However, I will focus on the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of genetic alteration on humans from an ecocritical point of view. As ecocriticism is multifaceted I decided to take a closer look on the interaction between humans or more precisely, the exploitation of humans by humans. Therefore, I will apply an eco-Marxist approach to the novel which represents an anthropocentric ideology (cf. Benton, 28). The paper consists of three sections. Initially, I will explain the term ecocriticism. Secondly, I shall examine the advantages and the disadvantages of human genetic engineering with the example of Brave New World. Finally, the consequences of human genetic engineering are explored. Eventually, the question Why should we not play God? is clarified by an evaluation of the found out consequences.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1,7, University of Koblenz-Landau (Anglistik), course: Ecocriticism, language: English, abstract: Dignity is mankind's unique value, which gives humans the power of self-transcendence. This empowers them to be different to the natural nonhuman species (cf. Heyd 71). Science and engineering establish new ways and opportunities to accomplish the desire to improve humanity. By means of medical and genetic engineering man could be more intelligent, talented, beautiful, and crucially live a healthier and longer life without any particular effort. While this vision generates enthusiasm on the one hand, it triggers anxiety and scepticism on the other hand. Is gene alteration of human nature generally permissible and desirable? Will not authenticity and autonomy go astray when engineering makes us what we are? Are the social impacts sustainable or do we increase social and global inequality? A philosophical debate was raised about these and other questions in the recent years. The English term 'Enhancement' gained acceptance as the collective term for diverse physiological, psychological, cognitive and emotional improvement of mankind. However, I will focus on the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of genetic alteration on humans from an ecocritical point of view. As ecocriticism is multifaceted I decided to take a closer look on the interaction between humans or more precisely, the exploitation of humans by humans. Therefore, I will apply an eco-Marxist approach to the novel which represents an anthropocentric ideology (cf. Benton, 28). The paper consists of three sections. Initially, I will explain the term ecocriticism. Secondly, I shall examine the advantages and the disadvantages of human genetic engineering with the example of Brave New World. Finally, the consequences of human genetic engineering are explored. Eventually, the question Why should we not play God? is clarified by an evaluation of the found out consequences.

More books from GRIN Verlag

Cover of the book Eine große oder kleine Republik? by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Inwiefern ist das nachrevolutionäre Mexiko als Demokratie zu bezeichnen? Einordnung in die Typologie von Wolfgang Merkel by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Modell der Synchronisation von Glühwürmchen in C by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Chinas Aufstieg und der Untergang der Sowjetunion by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Osterkultur - Temporale Aspekte einer Auferstehungs- und Heilskultur by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Kartellbehörden und Monopolkommission by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Grundlagen der Waldorfpädagogik und der Waldorfkindergärten by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Kindliche Lebenswelt: Medien by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Die Zeitmaschine von H.G.Wells: Sience Fiction oder Utopie? by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Honorarberatung im Financial Planning by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Seeverkehrsrecht - Geschichte, Überblick über die Regelwerke und Umsetzung by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Unterrichtsgestaltung zwischen Offenheit und Geschlossenheit by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Familienstrukturen deutscher und russischer Familien im Vergleich by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Strukturen und Prozesse, die einem selbstbestimmten Leben in Wohneinrichtungen für Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung entgegenwirken by Michelle Klein
Cover of the book Lehrer, Schule und Unterricht im Nationalsozialismus by Michelle Klein
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy