Philosophical+Issues



XXXXX Epistemology is the study of knowledge, and how we, as a culture, justify our beliefs (Steup, 2011). Naturally, there are many questions surrounding the subject of genetically modified foods. However, rather than attempting to answer every possible question, one should instead figure out which questions can be answered. Hot topic questions regarding Genetically Modified foods include the long term impact on human health as well as their economic impact. Regarding long-term human health, a lifetime of research requires a lifetime to gather. Testing and monitoring of human reaction is currently underway, but the research is still young, and, like in all innovations, risks are possible in new technology. While the future is unknown, what we can know is found in the scientific reports from the FDA. As a nation, we are aware of the current negative health effects incurred by the use of chemical pesticides. New reports are showing an 85% reduction in chemical insecticide being sprayed on genetically modified crops versus their heirloom progenitors (Begemann, 2011). We can also know how this affects our food economy. Monsanto, an innovative agricultural company, reports that their performance series sweet corn is able to yield 20% more corn than their heirloom varieties (Begemann, 2011). Better yet, the Pioneer corporation has released eight corn hybrids, which yield an average of 7.1 percent more in drought conditions and 3.4 percent more in favorable weather conditions (Harrington, 2012). Greater crop yield creates a greater supply and, in turn, lower the cost of food in markets. Also, greater yields give agricultural companies the profit needed to reinvest in their facilities, and promote innovation. In conclusion, what we can know is that Genetically Modified crops are keeping more chemicals off our food, putting more food on our tables, and keeping more money in our wallets.



XXXXX Metaphysics aims to answer the question "What is it like?" (Hall, 2010  ). Genetically modified foods are just as natural as any other plant or organism; they are the complex biological structures, containing the miracles of life, and even offering the same great taste as their progenitors. What has changed is a few properties were borrowed from other plants, these attributes were borrowed to avoid drowning the world in a chemical haze. Genetically modified organisms are created by nature, and feature the best humanity can offer to improve upon nature. The renaissance sculpture Michalangelo Buonarroti taught us in 1520 that his statues were formed by nature; his hand simply had to remove the excess material. Like an artist mankind has worked in several mediums, from wood, to stone, to raw metals, composite alloys and finally genetic material. There is nothing new under the sun; working with genetic material is simply the latest iteration of a caveman's tools designed with the intent of improving our lives. If we happen to make a mistake we can be reassured that nature is still king, this is evidenced by the sterility of our genetic creations, humanity can only go as far ad nature allows. In this way modified plants are similar to all things man has created, any item that rolls off an assembly line will eventually be returned to its mineral particulates as chemical, and physical natural processes wear it down. Genetically modified food is like natural food, only better.



XXXXX Ethics is the evaluation of our actions, motivations, and results (Kraut, 2012). Monsanto has been vilified for their role in the Vietnam conflict, and perhaps rightly so, their name had been synonymous with death and destruction. Following the conflict, Monsanto executives had a "Tony Stark" moment, and realized they had harmed those they sought to protect, and made a promise to do better. In 1996 Monsanto delivered its first shipment of genetically modified seeds to the world. For the first time, what had been the exclusive realm of geneticists and intellectual giants was now attainable by anyone with $1.60 and a dream. This first delivery carried with it the potential to end the flow of deadly pesticides from farmland through runoff and into our drinking water. Monsanto's redemption and progress towards the common good shows exceptional ethical integrity, their actions started a movement known as the green revolution; the quest to end world hunger had begun. Monsanto like every other corporation operating within the United States operates under a profit motive. The United States is generally considered to be capitalistic, wherein the desire and pursuit of financial wealth is accepted and encouraged. The United States is the largest and most successful cultivator of genetically modified foods. In Europe the story is quite different, large corporations are allowed to operate but their drive for financial gains is limited by the will of the vocal minority. So strong is the corruption of the European governments, widespread bans have been placed on genetically modified foods, research has been made illegal, and the import of genetically modified seeds punishable by lifetime imprisonment. Like all new technologies there are risks associated but crushing the civil rights of an entire continent for fear of the unknown seems unethical.

 XXXXX Logic is the study of correct reasoning (Shapiro, 2009). In order to address logic in terms of genetically modified foods, we must first shed the illogical fear of technology. An example of irrational fear surrounding new technology was the intense fear of speed in the early 1800s. Locomotives were being developed that could move faster than anyone had ever traveled before, this scared people. This fear encapsulated even the most educated men and women of the day.  In 1826 Dr. Lardner, a professor at the University College in London, stated that "Rail travel at high speed is not possible, because passengers, unable to breathe, would die of asphyxia(p. 79)." At the time of this quote the top speed ever attained by locomotive was twenty-five miles per hour. It was safe to assume many of us travel at speeds in excess of twenty five miles per hour on a daily basis, and can rationally shed the fear of asphyxia from our driving experience. So too we can shed the fear of the future impact of genetically modified foods. The seeds being distributed are fail safe, that is they are designed to do no harm in the event of a catastrophic failure. Worst case scenario your seeds are no good, and you will have to plant a heirloom variety, fears of giant earth dominating plants are works of science fiction, or tactics employed by fear mongers. The termination feature of theses seeds also helps enforce intellectual rights, which reduce litigation cost resulting in cheaper seed for the farmer, and cheaper food at the market for consumers.