Gene Editing Debate

As part of our ongoing efforts to engage young people in civil and substantive debate, on April 21, the Munk Debates convened a special mainstage debate about gene editing in Deerfield, Massachusetts for 650 students at Deerfield Academy. If you are an educator and wish to show this debate to your students free of charge, please email info@munkdebates.com.

Motion: Be it Resolved, let’s engineer better human beings

About the Debate:

New powerful engineering technology is already being used to edit human embryos, curing diseases and repairing defective genes before a child is even born. Some welcome this new science as a powerful tool to enhance human intelligence, memory, appearance and physical health. Why wouldn’t we embrace a science that allows people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives? Others warn that this new technology will be used to create designer babies and a new class of genetically “enhanced” elites. It will undermine human dignity and autonomy, and risk unleashing new diseases into the human gene pool. Playing G-d with human nature, critics argue, will result in a dystopian nightmare of our own making.

About the Debaters:

Arguing in favour of the motion was the biophysicist, best-selling author, biotechnology entrepreneur, and the former director of the Program on Medicine, Technology and Society at UCLA School of Medicine, Gregory Stock. His debate partner was the internationally acclaimed strategic philosopher and pioneering transhumanist Max More. Arguing against the motion was the prominent American bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel, Special Advisor to the Director General of the WHO and a former founding chair of the Department of Bioethics at the NIH. His debate partner wass the award-winning educator, author, and Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London, Joyce Harper.

About Deerfield Academy:

Deerfield Academy is an independent secondary school committed to high standards of scholarship, citizenship, and personal responsibility.

Through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, extensive cocurricular program, and supportive residential environment, Deerfield encourages each student to develop an inquisitive and creative mind, sound body, and strong moral character.

Set in a historic village bounded by river, hills, and farms, Deerfield inspires reflection, study and play, abiding friendships, and a defining school spirit. A vibrant, ethical community that embraces diversity, Deerfield Academy prepares students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.

The Munk Debates were built on a conviction I share: that serious argument, conducted in good faith, can actually change minds, and that changing one’s mind is not a sign of weakness but of intellectual honesty and courage. I can think of no better model for what we are trying to accomplish here at Deerfield, and we are honored that Munk chose Deerfield as the place to bring that model to a school for the first time.

– Dr. John P.N. Austen, Head of School

“Deerfield Academy is an independent secondary school with a commitment to viewpoint diversity that aligns closely with the central mission of the Munk Debates. This debate offers an exciting opportunity to engage young people in debate, encouraging open-minded discussion and the exploration of perspectives beyond their own.”

– Rudyard Griffiths, Chair of the Munk Debates

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How to Watch

On-demand streaming of this debate is available exclusively for Munk Donors, Curators, and Supporters Non-donors can purchase a livestream pass for $25.

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Pro

Con

Results

Pre-debate

29% 71%

Post-debate

35% 65%

Swing: 6% (Pro team win)