In Module 2, Lecture 2, we saw how the two main questions related to epistemology in biology that we framed in Module 2, Lecture 1 could be applied to
genome editing. Recall that these questions were: What assumptions are scientists making? Are these assumptions problematic? We saw how asking these
questions about genome editing revealed that (1) scientists assume that soma and germ are separate and distinct, but that there is good evidence that
challenges this assumption, and (2) that this assumption could be problematic if edits made to somatic cells find their way into the germline–inadvertently
turning somatic genome editing into germline genome editing.
Now you’re going to get to practice putting these questions to work.
For this assignment, consider what you read in Perusall activity by Lewens (2018). In this article, Tim Lewens, a philosopher of science at the University of
Cambridge, lays out another set of issues and assumptions that folks who work on genome editing and germline make, as well as some evidence for why
these assumptions may be problematic. Lewens frames this article around the ethical implications, but we’re going to focus on our two main questions
related to epistemology in biology.
Instructions
In at least 250 words (total):
(1) Identify an assumption that scientists are making that Lewens points out in his article.
(2) Now, address the following:
(a) Describe what you think the implications of this assumption are.
(b) In light of the implications that you envision, state whether or not you think the assumption is problematic. Explain why you think this assumption is/is not
problematic.
NOTES: You do not need to do outside research for this discussion. ALL of the information you need can be found in the lectures and Lewens (2018). Be
creative!
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