This is an ethical question because we shouldn't feed people food if they do not know what it is and the issues surrounding it (the risks).  People should be able to make their own decision whether or not to eat the food, based on the knowledge of if it is harmful to them or the environment.(2)
 

Dilemma: Should GMOs be used and if so then to what extent?

        This is a controversial subject because of the many risks involved.  Not only is there a potential to harm the earth, but risks to human life are also present.  Since not all of the risks are known and humans can be directly affected, shouldn't they have a right to know what they are eating?  On the other hand, GMOs have great potential to help human life.  To properly answer the question, both sides need to be examined, both the risks and the benefits.

Risks:                                                          Benefits:

May create potential allergies (18)(12)                          Improved shelf life (18)
May alter nutritional quality (18)                                    Increased food availability (18)
Unintentional gene transfer to wild plants (18)(12)         Increase crop yields (18)
Disturbance to the ecosystem                                       Use less chemicals
Resistance to antibiotics (1)                                          Can improve nutritional quality (18)
Possible creations of new toxins                                    Possibility of putting vaccines into food (3)

 

Stakeholders and their stakes:

        Large operation Farmers - might gain business since crops can be produced
                        at a lower cost

       Small operation Farmers - might lose business if they do not have the capital
                        to invest in GMO technology

       Organic Farmers - possible loss of business to more efficient farmers,
                        possible gain of business from anti-GMO consumers

       Residents of developing countries - GMOs may be the solution to world
                        hunger

       Everyone - anyone who consumes a GMO is subject to the risks and benefits
                        mentioned above

(10)
 

Please choose the moral perspective in which you want
to decide a solution to the dilemma:
 

UTILITARIANISM
(greatest good for the greatest number)

DEONTOLOGICAL
(basic principles)

DARWINISM
(survival of the fittest)

Decision:  After choosing which moral perspective (other perspectives would include Christian, Buddhist, justice, beneficence) suits you the best, you make a decision based on those beliefs.  Our group's beliefs coincide with those of a deontological perspective.  We believe that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) should not be available to the public for consumption.  Until we as a society are aware of short and long term effects of GMOs on the environment and on humans.  We believe that further testing must be done before we can safely consume genetically modified foods. (4)(2)

Reevaluate:  We have looked at the information available at this time and believe that deontological beliefs are the best  to base an answer on at this time.  This means that further testing should be performed before genetically modified foods are allowed for public consumption.

Revisit:  After testing is completed on the effects of GMOs on the environment and the human body, this dilemma should be considered again.   The actual risks could then be weighed in the decision, rather than just guessing about the potential of such risks.
 

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