Environmental ethics is centered on the ethical dilemmas arising from human interaction with the nonhuman domain. It investigates ways in which society can resolve different challenges that touch on ethics and the environment (Anyshchenko, 2019) There have been protracted ethical dilemmas relating to the scientific technologies in genetic engineering leading to the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Major ethical issues involving GMOs arise from their probable risk to human health and the environment.
The development of GMOs could be considered a positive development under the consequentialist view of environmental ethics. It advocates for the need for people to aim at generating the best outcomes from their rules or actions. The standard goal of consequentialism is to maximize the best-expected consequences.
On the contrary, the deontological perspective holds that the desire to maximize the good is not always suitable. There are instances where maximizing the good may push individuals to act in oppressive ways (Anyshchenko, 2019). The deontological viewpoint suggests that the consequentialist directions to environmental ethics in the use of GMOs may create problems, including the probable corporate dominance, damaging effect on traditional farming practices, and the ‘unnaturalness’ of the products. The deontological view requires individuals to consider principles, practices, rights, duties, or some blend of these, instead of focusing on maximizing the good.
Therefore, there is a need to focus on rights, especially in maintaining the environment. Accordingly, people have a right to an environment where there are assured of good health and well-being. The riding principle here is to avoid scientific approaches that may have unclear effects leading to the conclusion that GMOs should not be used. The best approach would require the conduct of sufficient tests to analyze all the probable risks and clarify their effects.
References
Anyshchenko, A. (2019). The precautionary principle in EU regulation of GMOs: Socio-economic considerations and ethical implications of biotechnology. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 32(5-6), 855–872.