Technological progress pushes human society to change as it itself expands through research into the unknown. New ideas often pose a threat to the ancient foundations of society, leading to the protest of many notable innovations. In the study of biology, theorists have begun to propose a change at the microscopic level that will have a profound effect on society: the genetic modification of the human species. Gregory Stock addresses the future of this concept in his book Redesigning Humans. Using metaphor to enhance travel into the future, substance to present the immense possibilities that biological modification will usher in, and appealing to pathos to create fear and excitement, Stock argues that humanity's rebirth is certain and that the world should accept the change. metaphor to underline the inevitability of the genetic future and to show how crucial genome modification is for the future of society. It addresses concerns that once humans begin to alter their nature, the changes made will progress negatively, harming society. The metaphor reinforces the refutation of this statement when Stock states, “advanced reproductive technologies are more like a slippery sidewalk than a slippery slope. Rather than slide uncontrollably into a deep abyss, we are more likely to take a spill or two, get up, brush ourselves off, and carefully continue on our way” (Stock 151). The comparison to a sidewalk makes it clear that every movement will be a choice due to the implication of walking as opposed to falling down a “slippery slope”. This refutes the claim that technology will harm society, but does not eliminate the idea of inevitability due to the inclusion of “slippery.” Because of the limited metaphorical language, we… middle of paper… are excited about the future of the company. By appealing to pathos to create excitement about societal progress and fear of purgeable genetic diseases, Stock encourages the reader to embrace genetic modification. Metaphor, appeal to substance, and appeal to pathos aid in Stock's portrayal of germinal engineering as a certain and constructive technology in redesigning human beings. The metaphor accentuates the inevitability and makes the audience understand the point made by the author. Substance reinforces this idea through hypothetical examples, which allow the reader to understand the importance of genetic modification, and appeals to pathos, which helps create a desire for this future. Individuals will continue to strive for the intangible in an effort to perfect the human condition, and germline engineering is a critical step forward in this crusade..
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