Life after synthia : The impact of synthetic organisms on our notions of life

Abstract

The attempt to fabricate synthetic organisms such as Synthia, is currently one of the goals of the new multidisciplinary field of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is being carried out for a variety of reasons, which include the possibility of microbial energy generation, medicinal drug development and bioremediation. Despite these potential benefits, the fact that living organisms can now be fabricated by humans, rather than originating naturally from pre-existing organisms or cells, gives rise to a series of questions related to the way in which life is understood and perceived. A literature review is therefore utilised to provide an overview of the technology involved, to identify a number of societal and theological concerns which are frequently mentioned, and to assist in analysing them in the light of both secular and religious perspectives. The concerns identified include apprehensions related to the blurring of boundaries between the living and the non-living, the mechanisation of life, its instrumentalisation and devaluation, as well as the fear that humanity is now playing God and usurping His powers of creation, eventually leading to a change in the way in which we perceive humanity itself. Despite these assertions, it has been noted that as far as this feat is limited to simple organisms such as bacteria, the fabrication of synthetic organisms itself, is unlikely to have a negative effect on our notions of life and to make us treat it with disrespect. It is instead the inaccurate way in which synthetic biology and life are portrayed and presented by various entities, as well. as a possible lack of responsibility towards the fabricated organisms, which could be the real causes of concern. Virtue ethics is therefore proposed as an ethical theory which could illuminate all the stakeholders involved in this technology including the general public, to ascertain that this technology is developed in a responsible way. It is also argued that the creation of environments where virtues can be cultivated in a spirit of tolerance and true dialogue could ensure that this technology is developed in a culture where life in all its forms, as well as our relationship with it, is respected and valued. This could m turn enable us to recognize and accept the role of responsible stewardship towards all organisms and towards our planet, so that rather than a threat to our notions of life synthetic biology can become a trigger which challenges us to gain a deeper understanding of life and hence to appreciate it better in its amazing complexity.