The Ethics of De-Extinction

Below is a question I posed to You.com and the answer it gave.

Dr. Beth Shapiro is working on the 'de-extinction' of Wooly Mammoths. She is currently doing experiments gene editing mice and has gotten to the point of a "Wooly Mouse". I'm not particularly squeamish about biology. I majored in it. I wonder, though, to what extent it is ethical from the point of view of the mice and if latterly they are successful the Mammoths. I found it more than possible that the genetic manipulations in the mice are not in their best interests and might be cruel to a creature that seems sentient in some small way to me. The Mammoths are most likely sentient and even if restored to their original form, at what point does a species have the 'right to stay extinct'? I'm not sure what put the nail in the coffin for the Mammoth, but it was 'natural' in the sense that it was not a modern human intervention. They seem to have responded to a change in habitat. Perhaps the pressure of hunting tipped the balance? Discuss the morality of these interventions, not in some abstract mystical way but rather in the "as above, so below" sense of Dapa where we confer the rights on other sentient beings that we would wish to have ourselves.

You.com: 

Ethical Considerations in De-Extinction Efforts

The work being done by Dr. Beth Shapiro and her team at Colossal Biosciences to create "woolly mice" as a precursor to resurrecting woolly mammoths raises significant ethical questions. These questions revolve around the welfare of the genetically modified mice, the implications for the potential revival of mammoths, and the broader moral responsibilities we hold towards sentient beings.

Welfare of Genetically Modified Mice

The creation of woolly mice, which exhibit traits such as thick, hairy coats and adaptations for cold tolerance, is a fascinating scientific endeavor 

1

. However, it is crucial to consider the well-being of these mice. Genetic modifications can lead to unforeseen health issues, suffering, or reduced quality of life. While the intention may be to advance scientific knowledge and conservation efforts, the ethical implications of manipulating a living organism's genome must be carefully weighed. If these modifications cause distress or harm to the mice, it raises questions about the morality of such experiments.

Sentience and Rights of Species

When discussing the potential revival of woolly mammoths, we must consider the sentience of these animals. Mammoths, like modern elephants, are believed to possess a level of sentience, which includes the capacity for emotions, social bonds, and possibly even complex thought processes. The question then arises: Do we have the right to bring back a species that has been extinct for thousands of years? This is not merely a scientific question but a moral one. If we were to restore mammoths to their original habitats, we must consider whether they would thrive or suffer in a world that has changed significantly since their extinction.

The Right to Stay Extinct

The concept of a species' "right to stay extinct" is particularly poignant. Woolly mammoths went extinct due to a combination of natural habitat changes and human activities, such as hunting 

2

. While their extinction was not solely due to modern human intervention, the question remains whether we should intervene now. The idea of "natural" extinction suggests that species have a place in the ecosystem, and their absence can lead to shifts in ecological balance. Reviving a species that has adapted to a different set of environmental conditions may not only be impractical but could also disrupt existing ecosystems.

Moral Responsibility and "As Above, So Below"

In considering the ethical implications of de-extinction, we can draw on the principle of "as above, so below," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. This perspective encourages us to extend the rights and considerations we wish for ourselves to other sentient beings. If we value our own existence and well-being, we must also advocate for the welfare of the mice and any future mammoths. This includes ensuring that any interventions are conducted with the utmost care for their quality of life and ecological impact.

Conclusion

The journey towards de-extinction, as exemplified by the work on woolly mice, is fraught with ethical dilemmas. It challenges us to reflect on our responsibilities towards other sentient beings and the ecosystems we inhabit. As we advance in our scientific capabilities, it is imperative that we do so with a commitment to compassion, respect, and a deep understanding of the consequences of our actions.