Essay Instructions: Genetic Knowledge and Responsibilities to Others
After three years of deterioration and suffering, Harry's father died of Huntington disease at age 49. When his father was diagnosed all of the immediate family were invited to participate in a genetic counselling session. Harry, who was 22 years old at the time, learned that his degenerative disease of the basal ganglia is physically and mentally disabling and that he has a one in two chance of developing it. Because the number of CAG repeats tends to increase in the offspring of affected males, and because more CAG repeats indicates earlier onset of the disease, if he has inherited the genotype Harry is likely to be afflicted earlier than his father was. Although Harry's brother was tested for the genetic marker and found to be unaffected, Harry has refused the test saying that he does not want to know.
Harry and Sally have fallen in love. They want to marry and have a family.
Does Harry have a moral obligation to undergo testing before getting married and having children?
[Reference Information = Rhodes. "Genetic Links, Family Ties, and Social Bonds: Rights and Responsibilities in the Face of Genetic Knowledge."]
How to begin
You should begin by considering a number of things. First, read through the case and decide what the major issue(s) is. In other words, what is at stake in this case? Is this an issue of confidentiality? Autonomy? Are there broader themes or issues such as the patient-physician relationship or distributive justice? After making these general observations, move on to the specifics of the case.
Generally, the point of a case is that something must be done. Specifically, there are multiple options, and we must decide which is preferable. You should identify and consider various possible solutions/actions. Also feel free to fill in hypothetical details. Often we will not know all the details of a case. What these details are can affect your decision about what you think should be done. If there is a relevant detail missing, discuss how this detail (potentially) effects your conclusion. Or, if necessary, state your assumptions up front. For example, “In this case, I will assume the physician has discussed X with the patient."
Remember to bring up possible objections to your point of view. Sometimes, this will come out in your discussion of possible options. For example, you may pose one option as something certain people would propose and then discuss why you disagree with it. However, if this is not clear in your general discussion, then make it clear.
Finally, be clear about which option(s) you support and why. Again, this will usually be clear from your general discussion. However, if not, make it clear.
Below is a detailed description of other specific things I will look for.
Overall moral argument/position
You will notice that some of the commentaries we read are more ambiguous or disorganized. However, for your analysis, you need to take a clear position and defend it. To do this, avoid “back and forth” discussions (especially within the same paragraph). A good way to clue the reader into your overall argument is to state it in your introduction along with a summary or suggestion of how you will defend it.
Also, make sure to stay focused on the moral issues of the case.
Use of moral theories, concepts, and readings when appropriate
One goal of this course is to learn to see the connections between abstract moral theories and everyday, practical issues. When making your arguments consider whether they relate to any of the theories or concepts discussed in the readings. If so, make this connection explicit. However, do not feel like you have to cram as many theories as possible into your case analysis.
Objection and response
A common philosophical tool in constructing an argument is to consider the position of those who disagree with you. This shows that you understand why reasonable people would disagree, but also gives you the chance to explain why your position is still better. When considering an objection to your argument, make sure it is clear to the reader this is what you are doing (otherwise, it will appear you are contradicting yourself). Also be sure to give your opponent the credit/time they deserve. You will usually need a few sentences to a paragraph to adequately explain your opponent’s position (remember the point is to acknowledge this is a reasonable view, not just something we can dismiss out of hand). Then, after you explain the objection, go on to refute it. You can do this either by showing a flaw in your opponents position or providing an argument that you think is stronger than the one presented by your opponent.
Also, be aware, you do not need to do a lot of summary of the case in your introduction. While it can be useful to point the reader toward key points or issues raised, there is no need to give a play-by-play or detailed summary.
