The Wild Ethics Of Human Genetic Enhancement - Dr Jonathan Anomaly - #598

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello, friends, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Dr. Jonathan Anomaly. He's a philosopher who writes about the social implications of emerging biotechnologies, teaches classes in ethics and game theory, and helped design the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at Duke University. The ability to select from potential embryos is already here. Soon, we will be able to select for height, intelligence, personality types, moral disposition, athletic ability, and maybe even enhance traits which aren't present. This creates a vortex of complex ethics around one of the most contentious topics on the internet, genetics. So as is tradition, I decided to dive in. Expect to learn just what the current technology of embryo selection can achieve right now, whether opting to not genetically enhance your child is an unethical practice, the dangers of creating massive social inequality, why you are already a eugenicist, whether genetic interventions are morally different from environmental ones and much more. This conversation touches on a number of topics that are incredibly unpopular on the internet, from heritability to behavioral genetics. We discuss the history of eugenics and embryo selection and genetic enhancement. And I praise Johnny for deciding to be close to the forefront of one of the spiciest discussions that you can have online. I really think that you're going to love this one. It's absolutely fascinating. This technology is here. It's not slowing down. More people are going to use it. And it is crucial that everybody understands what it's going to do. Also, don't forget that you might be listening but not subscribed. And if you want to support the show and make me very happy and ensure that you don't miss episodes when they go live, just press the subscribe button. That is the only thing that I would ask of you. I thank you. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Gymshark, my number one shorts. I have worn every different type of shorts from every different sports company that I cared to try on over the last few years. And the best men's shorts that I found are the studio shorts by Gymshark. The Dusty Maroon, Willow Green and Onyx Grey are my three favorite colors. And they're just fantastic. I have to say I went through every pair of shorts from Gymshark as well. And these, they're perfect. They're absolutely perfect. Their Crest Hoodie in Light Grey Marl as well is something that I'm wearing every single time that I travel when I'm on planes. Super comfortable. It's a nice lightweight. Very, very well designed. And their Geo Seamless T-shirts in Barley Green and Navy Fog Blues. Fancy colors for you there. They're all great. I really, really love their line. And if you want to check out all of the products that I wear and recommend from Gymshark, you can go to bit.ly slash shark wisdom. There is men's and women's on there. I haven't worn the women's, but it looks awesome on girls. And I actually did personally choose it. So if you want to know what I would wear if I was a girl, you can go to bit.ly slash shark wisdom. And there is a 10% discount sitewide and worldwide, plus a 30 day money back guarantee. If you use the code MW10 at checkout, there's a hundred dollars, a hundred pounds minimum spend, but because it's free returns, that doesn't really matter. Buy everything that you need. Bit.ly slash shark wisdom and MW10. In other, other news, this episode is brought to you by Element. First thing in the morning, you do not need to have a coffee. Your adenosine system, which caffeine acts on, isn't active for the first 90 minutes of the day, but your adrenal system is, and salt acts on your adrenal system. Element contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and it plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue whilst optimising brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. But most of all, it just tastes good. It's a really nice way to start the day. First thing in the morning isn't a beautiful time for anybody, really. And this is a nice little brightener, a beautiful salty, sweet, healthy drink that's going to get you hydrated and kickstart everything in a nice way. Plus there is an unlimited, no BS, no questions asked refund policy, so you can buy it 100% risk-free. And if there are any problems or if you do not like it, they will give you your money back and you don't even need to return the box. That's how confident they are that you love it. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all 8 flavors with your first box. That's www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom.