The Ethics of Enhancing The Ethics of Enhancing Animals.Animals.

Specifically the Great ApesSpecifically the Great Apes

Guido David Núñez-MujicaGuido David Núñez-MujicaBiology Student at the Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, VenezuelaBiology Student at the Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela

noalaignorancia@yahoo.esnoalaignorancia@yahoo.es

Western Civilization and AnimalsWestern Civilization and Animals

• Christian and Humanist point of view.Christian and Humanist point of view.• Animals were considered until 20th century to be automata, acting Animals were considered until 20th century to be automata, acting

purely based on instinct.purely based on instinct.• We have “discovered” in animals (as other cultures knew) abilities We have “discovered” in animals (as other cultures knew) abilities

and behaviours previously believed only human.and behaviours previously believed only human.• God or godless, in the West, Man has been the measure of God or godless, in the West, Man has been the measure of

everything. Nature shall surrender to him. everything. Nature shall surrender to him.

The Animal in Other CulturesThe Animal in Other Cultures

• For many cultures For many cultures animals were gods animals were gods and gods were and gods were animals.animals.

• Man was seen as a Man was seen as a part of the Whole, not part of the Whole, not as the highest as the highest element of creation, element of creation, separated from separated from animals.animals.

Of Human and Non-Human Of Human and Non-Human PrimatesPrimates

• The sciences of evolution and The sciences of evolution and ethology changed our ethology changed our conception of the relationships conception of the relationships between man and apes.between man and apes.

• Current biological data tends to Current biological data tends to ubicate chimps closer to man ubicate chimps closer to man than to other apes.than to other apes.

• Animal Rights movement has Animal Rights movement has pushed public opinion to pushed public opinion to acknowledge these factsacknowledge these facts

• Many Eastern and Native Many Eastern and Native American cultures recognized American cultures recognized this in their myths, beliefs and this in their myths, beliefs and conception of the world.conception of the world.

Current Status of Great Ape RightsCurrent Status of Great Ape Rights

• Great Ape ProjectGreat Ape Project• Experimentation with Chimpanzees Abolished in Western Europe.Experimentation with Chimpanzees Abolished in Western Europe.• Several Hundreds of Chimpanzees are dedicated to Biomedical research in the US.Several Hundreds of Chimpanzees are dedicated to Biomedical research in the US.• Animal Protection Act stablishes regulations on the conditions that chimpanzees Animal Protection Act stablishes regulations on the conditions that chimpanzees

must be held.must be held.• Many apes are abused in circuses, movies and other “entertainment” activities.Many apes are abused in circuses, movies and other “entertainment” activities.• A committee formed by the NAS stated that euthanasia is not an acceptable way of A committee formed by the NAS stated that euthanasia is not an acceptable way of

population control for chimpanzees and that they have a special status among lab. population control for chimpanzees and that they have a special status among lab. animals, due to their phylogentic relationship with us, yet, they are not human. Also animals, due to their phylogentic relationship with us, yet, they are not human. Also there are rules concerning habitat conditions and forbidding “unnecessary cruelty”.there are rules concerning habitat conditions and forbidding “unnecessary cruelty”.

Two Opposite PositionsTwo Opposite Positions

Great Ape Project:Great Ape Project:• Apes should have the same Apes should have the same

rights as humans, with legal rights as humans, with legal custody exercised by human custody exercised by human guardians. guardians.

• Therefore, we cannot Therefore, we cannot experiment with them in a experiment with them in a painful or nocive way. We only painful or nocive way. We only can study them if we don´t can study them if we don´t harm them.harm them.

• The welfare of the apes must The welfare of the apes must be seeked by itself, not by its be seeked by itself, not by its contribution to ours. Apes, as contribution to ours. Apes, as humans, are an end by humans, are an end by themselves.themselves.

Current US Position:Current US Position:• Apes have no human-like Apes have no human-like

rights, although they have right rights, although they have right to minimun conditions of living.to minimun conditions of living.

• We can experiment with them We can experiment with them in painful and nocive ways, we in painful and nocive ways, we can do harm if the knowledge can do harm if the knowledge we seek benefits the human we seek benefits the human being.being.

• The welfare of the apes must The welfare of the apes must be seeked because their be seeked because their special ethic status and special ethic status and because it guarantees better because it guarantees better results in researchresults in research

What is Enhancing?What is Enhancing?

• According to the Wikipedia, Uplifting (synonymous of According to the Wikipedia, Uplifting (synonymous of Enhancing) is “the theoretical prospect of endowing non-human Enhancing) is “the theoretical prospect of endowing non-human animals with greater capacities, including and especially animals with greater capacities, including and especially increased intelligence. It is highly likely that biological uplifting increased intelligence. It is highly likely that biological uplifting would be accomplished through the application of genetic and would be accomplished through the application of genetic and transgenic technologies, and possibly even artificial transgenic technologies, and possibly even artificial intelligence”.intelligence”.

Is Enhancing a New Idea?Is Enhancing a New Idea?

• No. In the mythology gods and other beings frequently were No. In the mythology gods and other beings frequently were described as enhancers of primitive human beings. (I.e. described as enhancers of primitive human beings. (I.e. Prometheus). Also, Enhancing is a extension of what we have been Prometheus). Also, Enhancing is a extension of what we have been doing since the dawn of civilization.doing since the dawn of civilization.

• In the modern Science Fiction the subject has been covered from In the modern Science Fiction the subject has been covered from several points of view by many authors. From the classic several points of view by many authors. From the classic SiriusSirius, by , by Olaf Stapledon to the Olaf Stapledon to the UpliftUplift saga by David Brin in which Enhancing saga by David Brin in which Enhancing is a Galaxy-wide activity with complex rules. Other reference of is a Galaxy-wide activity with complex rules. Other reference of Enhancing is the frightening work of H. G. Wells, Enhancing is the frightening work of H. G. Wells, The Island of Dr. The Island of Dr. Moreau.Moreau.

Why the Great Apes?Why the Great Apes?

• Apes are the living beings closest to us, we share more than 96% of our Apes are the living beings closest to us, we share more than 96% of our genes with them, 98,5% with the chimpanzee.genes with them, 98,5% with the chimpanzee.

• They have features previously thought to be uniquely human: They have features previously thought to be uniquely human: Language, Culture, Use of Tools, Self-Awareness, Empathy.Language, Culture, Use of Tools, Self-Awareness, Empathy.

• As they are so similar to us the Enhancing would be simpler than with As they are so similar to us the Enhancing would be simpler than with other species.other species.

Are other species discarded?Are other species discarded?

• No. But the current state of the art does not allow us No. But the current state of the art does not allow us Enhance any species at all. The apes would be the Enhance any species at all. The apes would be the easier and first step in enhancing, if we decide that it easier and first step in enhancing, if we decide that it should be done and its desirable. should be done and its desirable.

Paths to EnhancingPaths to Enhancing

• Several posiblities for achieving more cognitive capacities Several posiblities for achieving more cognitive capacities for apes:for apes:– Human Foetal Neural GraftsHuman Foetal Neural Grafts– Artificial Chromosomes with genes that change the expression of Artificial Chromosomes with genes that change the expression of

other genesother genes– iRNA (Interference RNA)iRNA (Interference RNA)– Artificial ImplantsArtificial Implants– Direct Modification of Developmental Genes (I.e. Room-for-thought Direct Modification of Developmental Genes (I.e. Room-for-thought

mutation)mutation)– All of the AboveAll of the Above

• Oliver the Humanzee, An example of what small mutations Oliver the Humanzee, An example of what small mutations can achive?can achive?

Ethics of Great Apes Enhancing Ethics of Great Apes Enhancing from two points of viewfrom two points of view

• If one supports the position If one supports the position that apes have no human-that apes have no human-like rights then the welfare like rights then the welfare of apes is not an issue, but, of apes is not an issue, but, as Enhancing implies giving as Enhancing implies giving human features to apes, human features to apes, Shall one create half-human Shall one create half-human creatures that might claim creatures that might claim some rights? If humanness some rights? If humanness is the source of rights, Shall is the source of rights, Shall one extend it to lesser one extend it to lesser beings? Is acceptable the beings? Is acceptable the enslavery of half-human enslavery of half-human sentient and self aware sentient and self aware beings? Is it necessary?beings? Is it necessary?

• If one believes that apes If one believes that apes should have human like should have human like rights then the enhancing is rights then the enhancing is possible only if does not possible only if does not harm. Simian welfare is harm. Simian welfare is important. But, Can one be important. But, Can one be certain that the Enhancing certain that the Enhancing will be harmless? Have one will be harmless? Have one the right to manipulate the right to manipulate another sentient species? Is another sentient species? Is freedom and intelligence a freedom and intelligence a burden that one would burden that one would rather not to have? Do they rather not to have? Do they needneed Enhancing? Will they Enhancing? Will they be unhappy once be unhappy once Enhanced?Enhanced?

Human Chauvinism Is Not Human Chauvinism Is Not Equal to SlaveryEqual to Slavery

• The existence of laws and regulations over the simian welfare in the The existence of laws and regulations over the simian welfare in the US, based in their resemblance to us is a precedent. Enhanced apes US, based in their resemblance to us is a precedent. Enhanced apes will be closer to us, so they must have higher status and more rights, will be closer to us, so they must have higher status and more rights, even under the point of view that only humans deserve full rights. even under the point of view that only humans deserve full rights.

• If the point of view is that only beings with an intelligence akin to If the point of view is that only beings with an intelligence akin to human can have rights, the Enhanced apes shall have rights.human can have rights, the Enhanced apes shall have rights.

• In either case slavery is not acceptable, grounded in the current In either case slavery is not acceptable, grounded in the current regulations concerning ape breeding and research in the US. regulations concerning ape breeding and research in the US.

Stay where you are: Stay where you are: Arguments Against EnhancingArguments Against Enhancing

• ““They are happy like that”. Or, current situation is OK. Will apes be They are happy like that”. Or, current situation is OK. Will apes be happier with more cognitive capacities? Will they become unhappy? happier with more cognitive capacities? Will they become unhappy?

• Humanness and not Reason is the source of Rights, we shall not Humanness and not Reason is the source of Rights, we shall not creat ambiguous situations that lead to confusion.creat ambiguous situations that lead to confusion.

• Enhancing would be manipulate to the apes of the same way we have Enhancing would be manipulate to the apes of the same way we have manipulated cattle and dogs since we have civilization, is not giving manipulated cattle and dogs since we have civilization, is not giving them special treatment.them special treatment.

• We cannot be sure that slavery is not a possible scenario.We cannot be sure that slavery is not a possible scenario.• Already there are conflicts between humans, only for cultural Already there are conflicts between humans, only for cultural

differences, it is obvious that there will be more conflicts with differences, it is obvious that there will be more conflicts with intelligent beings that have biological differences with us.intelligent beings that have biological differences with us.

Let’s Move: Let’s Move: Answer to Previous ArgumentsAnswer to Previous Arguments

• More conscience and self awareness brings more freedom and More conscience and self awareness brings more freedom and happiness. Also, it could be that apes cannot experience happiness and happiness. Also, it could be that apes cannot experience happiness and bliss of the same way than us unless they are not enhanced.bliss of the same way than us unless they are not enhanced.

• To think that only humans deserve rights and therefore apes should not To think that only humans deserve rights and therefore apes should not be enhanced to avoid awkward situations is not compatible with an ethics be enhanced to avoid awkward situations is not compatible with an ethics grounded on empathy and celebration of conciousness.Besides, that grounded on empathy and celebration of conciousness.Besides, that attitude is the same that in the past made white males the only humans attitude is the same that in the past made white males the only humans who deserved rights.who deserved rights.

• If we can Enhance apes that would be our final manipulation. From that If we can Enhance apes that would be our final manipulation. From that point they will be able to choose their destiny and not depend on humans point they will be able to choose their destiny and not depend on humans for surviving.for surviving.

• Setting laws and analysing previously the issue help us to make slavery Setting laws and analysing previously the issue help us to make slavery unlikely. Finally, Do we need slaves?unlikely. Finally, Do we need slaves?

• Helping mankind to understand that biological differences are not Helping mankind to understand that biological differences are not important and that different cultures, races and species can coexist important and that different cultures, races and species can coexist would make Animal Enhancing a key technology for the developing of would make Animal Enhancing a key technology for the developing of human societies.human societies.

Why?:Why?:Reasons for EnhancingReasons for Enhancing

• It will give to other species the ability to choose It will give to other species the ability to choose their own future.their own future.

• It will help to make human beings aware that It will help to make human beings aware that they are sharing the world with other beings.they are sharing the world with other beings.

• It will help to understand better to ourselves.It will help to understand better to ourselves.• Will enrich our lives with diversity of points of Will enrich our lives with diversity of points of

view, will give us new art and maybe new ways view, will give us new art and maybe new ways of thinking about the world.of thinking about the world.

• Will give more rights to the Enhanced species.Will give more rights to the Enhanced species.

Is unethical to Is unethical to notnot Enhance? Enhance?

• Apes are sentient and self aware beings. If enhancing will Apes are sentient and self aware beings. If enhancing will give them better status and more rights than they have now, it give them better status and more rights than they have now, it would not be ethical prevent them from being modified and would not be ethical prevent them from being modified and therefore, deny them rights.therefore, deny them rights.

• An analogy can be done between Enhancing and Education. An analogy can be done between Enhancing and Education. Both help smart beings to achieve its full potential. In the west Both help smart beings to achieve its full potential. In the west we make children go to school, so they can achieve their full we make children go to school, so they can achieve their full potential, we encourage the access to education of people potential, we encourage the access to education of people through public schools and grants in higher education. The through public schools and grants in higher education. The potential of the Great Apes will be higher in the near future, potential of the Great Apes will be higher in the near future, avoiding Enhancing them is preventing them from fulfilling avoiding Enhancing them is preventing them from fulfilling their potential. their potential.

Enhancing or Extinction?Enhancing or Extinction?• All the Great Apes are threatened species.All the Great Apes are threatened species.• Human populations keep growing year after year.Human populations keep growing year after year.• There are left only 7300 Orangutans from Sumatra. There are left only 7300 Orangutans from Sumatra.

The number have decreased Tenfold since begginings The number have decreased Tenfold since begginings of the last century. In fity years there will be only 250.of the last century. In fity years there will be only 250.

• There are only 250 individuals of the Gorilla There are only 250 individuals of the Gorilla subespecies subespecies Gorilla diehli.Gorilla diehli.

• Population of chimpanzees has dropped from five Population of chimpanzees has dropped from five million to one hundred seventy thousand individuals in million to one hundred seventy thousand individuals in a century. a century.

• In the near future, we will have no apes in freedom if In the near future, we will have no apes in freedom if these trends of extinction go on.these trends of extinction go on.

• Enhancing and give them free will could be the only Enhancing and give them free will could be the only way of correct our previous mistakes to apes.way of correct our previous mistakes to apes.

SummarySummary

• Enhancing of other animals than great apes is feasible, but we still Enhancing of other animals than great apes is feasible, but we still lack the necessary technology.lack the necessary technology.

• We have been changing the physiology of animals since we have We have been changing the physiology of animals since we have civilization. Enhancing is just an extension of this.civilization. Enhancing is just an extension of this.

• Enhancing could be the final manipulation of a species, since it Enhancing could be the final manipulation of a species, since it would become our peer and gain more rights. would become our peer and gain more rights.

• The ethical considerations made here are valid for most cases, not The ethical considerations made here are valid for most cases, not just for the Great Apes.just for the Great Apes.

• Slavery of intelligent beings is no acceptable under any of the points Slavery of intelligent beings is no acceptable under any of the points of view explained before.of view explained before.

• The extinction of apes will be a terrible loss of diversity and will The extinction of apes will be a terrible loss of diversity and will harm us, enhancing can be most effective way of avoiding it in a harm us, enhancing can be most effective way of avoiding it in a certain way.certain way.

• If enhancing will grant more rights to animals it could be unethical to If enhancing will grant more rights to animals it could be unethical to ban or prevent the Enhancing.ban or prevent the Enhancing.

AcknoledgementsAcknoledgements• Dr. Martine Rothblatt, for selecting this presentation and sponsoring Dr. Martine Rothblatt, for selecting this presentation and sponsoring

my trip.my trip.• Terasem Foundation, for working hard making known and available Terasem Foundation, for working hard making known and available

the debate over transhumanism.the debate over transhumanism.• Ms. Mirtha Mujica: Dear mother, I would not be here without your Ms. Mirtha Mujica: Dear mother, I would not be here without your

support and encouragement.support and encouragement.• Mr. Robert Daye, for his impressive capacity and help with all the Mr. Robert Daye, for his impressive capacity and help with all the

bureaucratic and logistical issues. bureaucratic and logistical issues. • Luis Garzón and César Carrasco for their critical reading, analysis and Luis Garzón and César Carrasco for their critical reading, analysis and

unselfish funding.unselfish funding.• Gorinkai, AAG 98, TwRcH, Kerensky, Jaurías, Naturopata, Athor, Gorinkai, AAG 98, TwRcH, Kerensky, Jaurías, Naturopata, Athor,

Grandi and Dua, among others, from Grandi and Dua, among others, from www.sedice.com, for their , for their unvaluable help with all kind of questions and for alternative views of unvaluable help with all kind of questions and for alternative views of this complex issue.this complex issue.

• These persons and many more are the ones who made possible this These persons and many more are the ones who made possible this presentation and my presence here. Thanks to all of you this odyssey presentation and my presence here. Thanks to all of you this odyssey has finally ended well.has finally ended well.