Introduction
Welcome to your web quest for Never Let Me Go (2005) by Kazuo Ishiguro. Today, you'll be exploring the content of this novel in the context of the science and moral/ethical dilemmas presented by cloning.
Before you begin, please consider the following on your own:
What is cloning? Cloning is a technique scientists use to make exact genetic copies of living things. Genes, cells, tissues, and even whole animals can all be cloned. Some clones already exist in nature. Single-celled organisms like bacteria make exact copies of themselves each time they reproduce. In humans, identical twins are similar to clones.
If you could clone your favorite pet, would you? The technology for this exists. What if this technology extended to humans, as it has in Never Let Me Go? In this dystopia, clones are used to harvest organs and extend the lives of their original models. Is this concept too far off base for reality?
Want some practicing with the science of cloning? Meet Mimi the Mouse here!
Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1997, setting off an international discussion on cloning ethics. Watch below for context, then move on to the "Task" portion of your web quest.
Task
Today's Task:
Today, you will be learning about different ethical considerations about cloning with the goal of forming an opinion about how and when cloning science is appropriate. You will be drawing your own "line" regarding how this technology is helpful for society versus when it becomes dangerous or harmful in some way. You will do this by:
- Reading the assigned articles and watching videos provided to understand the topic better
- Listening to expert opinions regarding ethics, morality, and philosophy as it relates to cloning
- Creating a written piece, visual art piece, video or other project that makes a statement on cloning based on this learning
Process
Can cloning science make the world better?
Review the following resources to consider the above question.
One example: Scientist have been experimenting with cloning endangered and extinct species for the last thirteen years. Many scientist argue that cloning is a way to increase dwindling animal populations and an opportunity to resurrect species that have gone extinct because of human activities. However, not all people believe that it is ethical to clone species and other people believe that cloning is a waste of public funds.
Read: Should people clone extinct or endangered species? Why or why not? Species and Undermining Conservation
Watch: 14 Species That Cloning Could Resurrect
*Here is a list of animals that have been cloned already.*
How Does Cloning Work?
Why Haven't We Cloned Humans?
Should We Clone Humans?
*Here is a scientific ethical breakdown of our novel. *
*Another opinion regarding ethics.*
Evaluation
Assignment
Your assignment for today is to answer the following question:
Can the use of cloning be ethical or a have a positive impact on the world? If not, why? If so, what are the exceptions to this?
You may express you answer in any of the following ways:
- Record a video sharing your thoughts on the question above
- Write a brief essay answering the question (~1 page)
- Create a sign, song, drawing, or other artistic piece (check with your instructor to discuss ideas) that makes a statement about the ethics of cloning. This option will require a one paragraph artist's statement explaining the theme of your work.
Conclusion
Hopefully you've gained some insight and formed your own opinions about this fascinating and changing topic. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your instructor with further questions, ideas, thoughts.