Discussion questions

• Which are the strongest / weakest arguments in supporting of GM crops?
• Which are the strongest / weakest arguments against GM crops?
• "The genetic modification of food crops is not new; humans have been tampering with nature for a very long time as in selective breeding. If there is nothing wrong with selective breeding, there is nothing wrong with GM crops." Evaluate this argument. How is selective breeding similar / different from GMO?
• In the so-called Starlink episode, which was mentioned in the lecture, GM corn approved only for animal feed was found in taco shells in a restaurant chain. What do you think we should conclude from this episode? What about these viewpoints?
  • Nothing. It was an isolated incident.
  • GM crops should be banned.
• Do you agree with Prince Charles that some areas of scientific research or technology should be forbidden because certain areas are "sacred" and off-limits? If so, why? If not, is it because there should not be any boundaries? Or are better reasons for setting boundaries? Like what? How should these boundaries be set?
• About intrinsic and instrumental (extrinsic) values
  • Is it possible that things only have instrumental value and nothing has intrinsic value?
  • What are things which you think have intrinsic value?
  • Are there many intrinsic values or just one?
  • Is it possible that something has both intrinsic and instrumental value?
  • Do you agree that the environment has intrinsic value independent of its usefulness to human beings?
• What are the arguments for and against the idea that we have a duty to protect the environment?