WSDA裁判說 | 春季賽Junior即興辯論4月備稿辯題解析！

隨著四月的到來，WSDA春季賽四月場即將拉開帷幕，Junior即興(xing) 辯論組別的小選手們(men) 也將迎來一場關(guan) 於(yu) 科技與(yu) 倫(lun) 理的深度對話——為(wei) 預防遺傳(chuan) 疾病，人類基因編輯是否應該合法化？這是一個(ge) 直擊科技前沿的命題，它關(guan) 乎醫學進步，也觸及道德底線；既是理性論證的考場，也是價(jia) 值碰撞的舞台。

本次，我們(men) 特別邀請到了多次擔任WSDA賽事各項裁判工作的Zaiqi教練，為(wei) 大家解析這個(ge) 科技含量十足的辯題，幫助你更好把握論點邏輯，打出風格鮮明的精彩辯論！

Zaiqi

辯題解析者

• 畢業於美國最頂尖文理學院之一Oberlin College，高中畢業於南京外國語學校，高中階段任南外辯論社社長；
• WSDA 2017年北京賽區冠軍、2016年山東賽區季軍、2017年江蘇賽區季軍、2017年上海賽區國際公開組8強;
• 2018-25年間多次擔任WSDA賽事各項裁判工作，多次在全國總決賽和冬季冠軍賽擔任決賽裁判長。

Topic:Human gene editing should be legalized for preventing genetic diseases.

為(wei) 預防遺傳(chuan) 疾病，人類基因編輯應該合法化。

隨著基因編輯技術（尤其是CRISPR）的發展，醫學界在精準修改人類DNA方麵取得了突破，這為(wei) 消除遺傳(chuan) 疾病、減少痛苦和降低醫療成本提供了可能性。然而，基因編輯也引發了對倫(lun) 理、安全性和社會(hui) 公平的廣泛爭(zheng) 議。這場辯論的焦點在於(yu) ：我們(men) 是否應該讓基因編輯合法化，從(cong) 而在預防疾病和潛在風險之間找到平衡？

Preparation Tips備賽建議

Understand the Core Concepts

理解核心概念

在備賽過程中，選手需要明確一些關(guan) 鍵詞的定義(yi) ，如“基因編輯（gene editing）”的具體(ti) 含義(yi) 、CRISPR技術的運作方式、哪些疾病被歸類為(wei) 遺傳(chuan) 性疾病等。

Human Gene Editing:The process of altering DNA sequences in human cells, particularly using technologies like CRISPR.

Legalized:Permitted by law, with potential regulations and oversight.

Genetic Diseases:Hereditary conditions caused by DNA mutations, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.

Find a Logical Angle

確定論證邏輯

辯論中，正方應強調基因編輯的醫療價(jia) 值，如減少遺傳(chuan) 病患者的痛苦、降低長期醫療成本等，並提出合理的監管措施。反方則可以從(cong) 技術風險、倫(lun) 理隱患和社會(hui) 公平等角度切入，論證“潛在風險可能超過短期利益”。

The pro sideshould frame gene editing as a medical advancement, emphasizing its potential to prevent suffering, reduce healthcare burdens, and improve quality of life. They should preempt ethical concerns by advocating for strict regulations to ensure safety.

The con sideshould shift the debate towards risks, arguing that unintended genetic consequences, ethical issues (e.g., eugenics), and socioeconomic inequalities outweigh potential benefits. They should highlight the uncertainty of long-term effects and propose alternative medical advancements as safer solutions.

Both sidesmust control the ethical framing—whether gene editing is seen as a medical necessity or a dangerous interference with nature.

Topic Overview &Background Info

Advancements in gene-editing technology, particularly CRISPR, have revolutionized the medical field by enabling precise modifications to human DNA. This has opened the possibility of eliminating genetic diseases before birth, potentially reducing suffering and long-term healthcare costs. Proponents argue that legalizing gene editing for medical purposes could prevent hereditary conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease. However, opponents raise concerns about the ethical implications, unintended genetic consequences, and the potential for genetic enhancements leading to social inequality. This debate ultimately questions whether the benefits of gene editing in preventing disease outweigh the ethical and safety risks associated with its use.

Pro Arguments

01、Prevention of Genetic Disorders

Analysis: Gene editing, like CRISPR, allows for precisely fixing the particular genes responsible for genetic disorders. This has the potential to completely remove hereditary diseases that take millions of lives and result in long-term suffering. Legalizing gene editing provides a path toward healthier generations, reducing suffering and the burden on healthcare systems.

Example:"Currently, tens of millions of people around the globe suffer fromgeneticdisorders. By editing the gene responsible for Huntington's disease, we could prevent future generations from enduring its devastating effects."

02、Ethical Responsibility

Analysis: It is immoral to let people suffer when we already have the cure. If technologies exist to prevent these illnesses, we as an ethical society are obligated to use them. Gene editing can prevent unnecessary pain and death caused by genetic problems, ensuring that no future generation will be born with severe health problems and given a chance for a healthier life.

Example:"All the doctors have takentheoath to do no harm to their patients. However, withholding the possible treatment of gene editing from the patients breaks the oath by brining sufferingto the patients."

03、Cost Savings

Analysis: Currently, most healthcare systems around the globe face great pressure. Gene editing can reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing genetic diseases in the first place, which are not only expensive to treat but also manage. By treating these diseases early, we could save billions in healthcare spending over time and better allocate healthcare resources.

Example:"Those born with genetic diseases suffer both physically and financially. The cost of gene editing treatments is far less than the lifelong medical bills for patients with genetic disorders."

04、Advancement of Medical Science

Analysis: Legalizing gene editing would open a brand new field for scientists to explore and could facilitate innovation in medical research, leading to new treatments and understandings of genetics. This could also contribute to broader breakthroughs in personalized medicine, improving care tailored to individual genetic profiles.

Example:"Previously, studies on human genes wererelatively slow as it lacks real life implementation. Legalizing gene editing would push scientific boundaries, giving scientists thechance to unlock the cure a wide range of genetic diseases."

Con Arguments

01、Ethical Concerns and 'Designer Babies'

Analysis: The legalization of gene editing could result in the serious abuse of the system. The practice of "designer babies," where genetic traits like intelligence or appearance might be selectively chosen, would happen. This could deepen societal inequalities, allowing only those who could afford genetic editing to remain healthy, smart, and good-looking.

Example:"If gene editing is allowed for disease prevention, it could lead to controversial practices like selecting for intelligence or physical appearance. And the system could be abused by the rich."

02、Unintended Consequences

Analysis: Human genes are a delicate and complicated system that human beings have not yet fully understood. Gene editing, though precise, carries the risk of unintended mutations or side effects that could cause new health problems. The long-term impact on human genetics is not fully understood, and gene editing may harm future generations.

Example:"CRISPR might eliminate a genetic disease, but it could also cause unforeseen side effects that affect other important genes. Allowing a medical procedure with unknown consequences is highly irresponsible."

03、Social and Psychological Impacts

Analysis: The Legalization of gene editing could result in the toxic mentality of parents as they would want to ensure their children are "genetically perfect." This would lead to potential social and psychological issues, such as discrimination against those with untreated genetic disorders or increased pressures on individuals to get rid of certain genetic traits.

Example:"There's a risk that children born without genetic modifications may face discrimination. And our society would gradually lose sympathy for them."

04、Loss of Genetic Diversity

Analysis: Widespread gene editing may reduce genetic diversity, which is vital for the survival of the human species. A gene that seems useless or harmful to some might serve important functions that we currently don’t know. A lack of genetic variation could make populations more vulnerable to diseases or environmental changes, harming the human race.

Example:"If everyone is genetically edited to avoid certain diseases, we may lose the genetic diversity that helps us adapt to new challenges."

基因編輯的爭(zheng) 議，關(guan) 乎科學的邊界與(yu) 人類社會(hui) 的價(jia) 值取向，而辯論，正是幫助我們(men) 在複雜問題中理清邏輯、鍛煉批判性思維的絕佳方式。無論你是支持還是反對，關(guan) 鍵在於(yu) 如何建立有力的論證、如何回應對方觀點，最終在思辨中成長！