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Category: Category: Price
Could Gold Prices Soar in September?
Gold prices began this week on a slightly negative note as prices drifted back towards their lowest levels since mid-August after US payrolls data failed to provide clarity on the timing of a US Federal Reserve rate hike, and as the dollar steadied against other majors. Despite concerns about the Fed tightening, gold recorded its best month this year, gaining around, gaining about 3.4% for August for its first advance since May.
The Price Of Gold Will Rise If Stocks Collapse
So with all due respect to those of you who see gold as just another imminent general commodity liquidation away from $850 or lower, I think that is not exactly the way it is going to play out. We may see more sell-off coming as current conditions develop; yes, I may still be a little early; but gold still represents the ultimate store of value for liquid capital.
Gold Price Correlation With Federal Funds Rates Since 1971
If the Federal Reserve's rate-hike cycles were indeed gold's arch-nemesis, this zero-yielding sterile asset should have been hammered in the great majority of them. Instead gold actually rallied through 6 of the 11 modern Fed-rate-hike cycles! And at average gains seen within these exact rate-hike-cycle spans of a staggering +61.0%, gold did amazingly well. Gold often didn't just weather rate hikes, but thrived in them!
Gold Price Technicals Are Weakening
Gold's most recent advance ended last week when price failed to break through the sturdy resistance level around $1170. As a reminder, $1170 is where several technical indicators converged, including a bearish trend line, the 100-day moving average and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of this year's range. The fact that the rally has stalled at the relatively shallow 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level bodes ill for gold bugs as it suggests the bears are still clearly in the driving seat, which means that the path of least resistance is to the downside.
ECB President Draghi Wants More QE, Euro Gold Testing Major Support
Today, the European Central Bank (ECB) published its monetary policy statement, with the central bank leaving its main refinancing rate at 0.05%, its deposit rate at 0.20%. Euro gold is testing its major support at €1000 /oz. This is a make-or-break level for euro gold, with a high importance for gold in other major currencies. If euro gold will stay above €1000, the market would anticipate more monetary easing in Europe, with a positive impact on the price of gold.
Gold Price Slightly Down Because Of Fears Of A Rate Hike?
Gold in U.S. dollar closed the trading session 0.5% lower today. Reuters noted today that the gold price was down "as a rebound in stocks and the dollar arrested a four-day rise, with uncertainty over the timing of a looming U.S. rate hike limiting price moves ahead of key U.S. non-farm payrolls data on Friday."
Gold's Long Term Chart Looks Increasingly Bullish
The most interesting trend on the longer term gold chart is the deceleration of gold's decline. Although the trend remains down, with a clear formation of lower lows, the decline is slowing. Also note that the lows have occurred in an orderly manner, not comparable to the aggressive declines of April and June of 2013. This indicates selling pressure is fading and that gold is bottoming.
Gold, Silver And Crude Oil Are Bottoming
I'm not convinced that crude oil prices will drop much from here or remain low for many more months. Regardless of the "reasons" listed at the beginning of this article, I think higher crude oil prices are much more likely than lower prices in six months or less.
Gold's Bigger Picture: Rally Off New Lows
Gold Spot price has rallied minimally following the break to a new low, thus far halted at the declining 200-day MA. Interestingly, one might have expected Gold to rally more forcefully in face of major U.S. index declines last week. Resistance remains above at 1,200 and 1,250 but the trends remain down even at these levels and well under the 2005 uptrend. Weekly and monthly momentum models remain negative and flat. The downside target at 1,000, the support from 2008-2009, remains in place.
Gold Prices jump amidst a Global Equity and Commodity Sell-Off
The price of the yellow metal gained more than 4% last week amid a global sell-off of equities and commodities. The upward momentum in gold prices began the previous week when China devalued its currency, the yuan. And, last week the release of the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting left market watchers unsure about an interest rate rise in the US in September, adding to uncertainty caused by China's devaluation of the yuan. This in turn, as well as a number of other factors, including falling prices of other commodities, have led investors to turn to gold.
Gold Price Strong Amid Stock Market Sell Off
December Gold appears to be consolidating for a push above 1200 in the weeks ahead. Notice that although the futures gave back most of yesterday's modest rally by day's end, the intraday high poked slightly above an 'external' peak at 1169.00 recorded back in early July. This generated a bullish impulse leg on the daily chart, implying that the pullback from Monday's high is likely to produce a follow-through rally leg. Were it to equal the rally off mid-August's 1108.50 low, the futures could trade as high as 1206.00 by month's end or early September.
Will Gold Cross The Critical Line In The Sand At 1140 ?
If gold bulls are able to break through the barrier at 1140, then a more substantial rally toward 1160 or 1180 is possible in the near-term. That said, the longer-term series of lower lows and lower highs would remain intact all the way up to 1200, so bulls should be cautious about getting too excited as long as the metal trades with an "11" handle.
Gold Price Higher After Fed's Decisions Not To Raise Interest Rates
Gold rose instantly right after the FOMC Minutes appeared, as the U.S. dollar sold off. The price of gold broke through resistance at $1,130 /oz, pushing towards its critical technical level of $1,135 /oz. Gold traders are clearly reliefed that the Fed stays focused on its 2% inflation target, and that inflation remains an important condition before rising interest rates.
Gold Facts and Gold Speculations
Yes, economic and financial conditions probably will deteriorate, central banks will print, and gold prices will rise. The next 8 year gold cycle low is due in 2017 – it might be a short and sharp drop leading into several more years of rally toward the 8 year cycle high around 2019. However cycles may become less important as a consequence of overwhelming economic and financial stress. We shall see much higher gold prices, regardless of cycle influences.


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Foreign nationals can apply for Canadian immigration through provincial immigration nomination programs offered by various Canadian provinces. It is good news for foreign professionals as Alberta has opened its doors for Canadian Immigration starting from January 27, 2016 under Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP). It might be the best option for some of the foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada as they might otherwise not qualify for Canadian immigration under Federal immigration program.
Alberta is also looking for foreign nationals in few semi-skilled occupations in addition to seeking applicants in skilled worker category. Applicants who have prior work experience in Alberta or who have obtained a valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade will be able to benefit from AINP. Certain engineering occupations are also eligible to apply for AINP. Majority of applicants will require job offer from employer in Alberta. Foreign graduate students will also be able to apply under Alberta Immigration Nominee Program. The Nominee Program is divided into following three immigration streams which are independent of the Federal Express Entry immigration program:
- Employer-Driven Stream
- Strategic Recruitment Stream,
- Self-Employed Farmer Stream.
1. AINP Employer-Driven Stream
The Employer-Driven Stream is for those foreign professionals who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta. The stream is further divided into three sub-categories:
Skilled Worker Category
The applicants must have obtained a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a skilled occupation (NOC skill level 0, A, or B) in order to become eligible to apply under skilled worker category.
Semi-Skilled Worker Category
Foreign nationals who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a semi-skilled occupation (NOC C or D) eligible under the AINP can submit their applications for Canadian immigration.
International Graduate Category
Recent graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution having a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta. The job offer must be in NOC level O, A, B, or C occupation.
2. AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream
The Strategic Recruitment Stream is aimed at attracting foreign professionals to supplement provincial labour market over the long term. The stream is divided into three sub-categories:
Compulsory or Optional Trades Category
This immigration category is for foreign nationals who have obtained valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta either issued or recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Engineering Occupations Category
This immigration category is for foreign professionals who have obtained professional education as an engineer, designer, or drafter. The applicants under this category must have prior work experience in Alberta in any of the following eligible engineering occupation:
- Engineering Managers (NOC 0211)
- Civil Engineers (2131)
- Mechanical Engineers (2132)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2133)
- Chemical Engineers (2134)
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (2141)
- Mining Engineers (2143)
- Geological Engineers (2144)
- Petroleum Engineers (2145)
Post-Graduate Worker Category
The applicants must have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution situated in Alberta, are currently employed in Alberta in an eligible occupation after obtaining Post-Graduation Work Permit which is still valid.
3. AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Self-employed farmer stream is aimed at promoting and developing the agricultural industry in Alberta. Potential applicants are required to provide documented prove that they have prior farm management skills. They must also invest a minimum of CD$500,000 of equity in a farming business in Alberta. They must also submit a proposed business plan.
There is limited quota for foreign nationals and foreign graduates under the AINP, thus it is important that potential applicants submit their applications for Canadian immigration as soon as possible.

subset: commoncrawl


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Helen Mirren attends the Opening Ceremony & 'Isle of Dogs' premiere during the 68th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Berlinale Palace on February 15, 2018 in Berlin, Germany.
February 15, 2018 Licence
Honoree Helen Mirren attends AARP's 17th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.
February 05, 2018 Licence
Helen Mirren attends the Los Angeles premiere 'Winchester' at Cinemark Playa Vista on February 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
February 01, 2018 Licence
Helen Mirren attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 9th Annual Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 11, 2017 in Hollywood, California.
November 11, 2017 Licence
Helen Mirren attends the Closing ceremony of the 57th Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
June 20, 2017 Licence
Actress Helen Mirren attends the screening of Sony Pictures Classics' 'The Comedian' hosted by The Cinema Society at The Museum of Modern Art on January 31, 2017 in New York City.
January 31, 2017 Licence
Actress Helen Mirren is photographed for Woman & Home Magazine on August 5, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
August 05, 2010 Licence
Helen Mirren
April 01, 1999 Licence
Actress Helen Mirren attends the 21st Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
January 17, 2016 Licence
Actress Helen Mirren attends the 2015 Stuttering Association for the Young Gala at Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts on April 27, 2015 in New York City.
April 27, 2015 Licence


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30 Mar Elodie & Anthony ruisbroek castle
On Friday August the 7th, Elodie and Anthony said yes at Ruisbroek Castle, on a magnificent summer's day.
The wedding was organized on a small scale as Elodie and Anthony wanted to celebrate with their closest family and friends. The civil ceremony went ahead in the beautiful commune of Jette. After brunch in their cosy duplex we were off in the direction of the castle, for an outdoor ceremony. Elodie's beautiful dress was created by "chez be couture."
For the photos of the couple, they wanted 'classic' images, which I was of course more than happy to oblige!


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Now Viewing:
You Pay: $31.95
The RapcoHorizon RF Choke Blox filters out spurious frequencies from the in-line radio signal input to your power amplifier system. Just plug it into the XLR channel of your PA system, and it ensures that you get an interference-free signal for a noise-free sound output.
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When you're in the mood for a sunny-side-up kind of breakfast, but with a twist: breakfast tacos with crispy-edged, ghee-fried eggs, seared shiitakes, quick-pickled shallots, avocado + hot sauce! Easy to make (and with just one skillet involved for quick clean-up), these make a delicious and satisfying savory breakfast that's perfect for a weekend morning. Just add coffee (or matcha latte…or yerba mate latte, my latest beverages of choice since I've been trying to quit my cappuccino addiction).
One of the questions I'm asked most frequently (because I post a lot of crispy eggs over in IG-land) is how to get that browned, crispy bottom on your fried egg. The trick is to start with a screaming hot skillet (I use ceramic nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron) and don't be afraid to use plenty of fat — you want to see the egg white start to bubble, hiss and puff up as soon as it hits the pan (if it doesn't, the pan wasn't hot enough). I usually allow my pan to heat up for a solid 5-plus minutes before I crack in the egg (maybe even longer if I'm using a heavy cast iron skillet). I've also been frying my eggs in this garlic-infused ghee lately, which makes them extra flavorful (can't recommend this stuff highly enough — love their vanilla bean variety, too).
Once we've got our perfectly crispy-bottomed eggs in place, our tacos go NEXT LEVEL as the kids say, with the addition of pan-seared shiitakes for chewy, umami richness, quick-pickled shallots, creamy avocado, thinly sliced jalapeño and tangy fermented hot sauce. And, because in my opinion no meal is complete without some G, a generous hit of my Everything Gomasio (toasted sesame salt) with crunchy garlic, onion, and poppy seeds (which will be available again very soon; we are finalizing packaging as I type these words).
And one last tip to ensure that your breakfast taco game is as strong as can be: to get the most out of your store-bought corn tortillas, toast them over an open flame (stove burner, if you have a gas cooktop) until they're slightly charred around the edges. Game changer!
Breakfast tacos with crispy fried eggs, shiitakes + quick-pickled shallots
Serves 2
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
10 shiitake mushrooms caps, cleaned and thinly sliced
4 large eggs
4 corn tortillas
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
ghee (or other cooking fat of your choice, such as olive oil or butter)
1/2 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced
hot sauce, to taste
roughly chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Combine shallot, vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Toss to combine and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Drain liquid before using (it's great in salad dressings).
Melt 1 teaspoon of ghee in a 10-inch nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add shiitakes and a pinch of salt. Cook until crisp and browned around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Melt 1 teaspoon ghee in same skillet over medium heat. Crack an egg into the pan, season with a pinch of salt, and cook until bubbly and browned around the edges with a set white and runny yolk (4 to 5 minutes). Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with remaining eggs.
Set a stove burner to medium flame. Toast tortillas one at a time, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, until fragrant and lightly charred in spots. Transfer to warmed plates as they are finished (if doing a larger batch, wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm until ready to serve).
Top each tortilla with a fried egg, shiitakes, avocado, pickled shallots, jalapeños, hot sauce and herbs (if using). Enjoy right away.


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WSC Impact 2017
Here is our last newsletter for 2017. Many thanks to our supporters! We wish you a happy holiday.
December 26, 2017
Newsletter-July 2017
Welcome to the second edition of our quarterly newsletter!
See some updates from our efforts to advocate for change and stop violence towards women and girls!
August 21, 2017
Newsletter – April 2017
Welcome to our quarterly e-newsletter designed to keep you informed of our current
activities. Below we highlight the work we've carried out in the past few months to ensure the
safety of women and children victims of domestic violence and advocate for change.
April 7, 2017
Newsletter – June 2016
September 14, 2016
Newsletter – March 2016
Welcome to the second edition of our quarterly newsletter! Every day we work with survivors of domestic violence to ensure their safety and wellbeing by offering social, legal, and psychological counseling and shelter support as well as skills training. With 2016 now well underway, we are implementing a number of new initiatives with a focus on primary prevention and continued assistance to survivors. Engage with us and join our mission by following us on Facebook, our website, and contacting us. We would love to hear from you!
September 14, 2016
Newsletter – December 2015
WELCOME! The Women's Support Center (WSC) is happy to introduce our quarterly newsletter, covering news, views, and activities pertaining to our work. Through this newsletter, we hope to inform, engage, and activate an ever-growingcircle of people – activists, donors, supporters – as we seek to protect and empower women in Armenia. Below you'll find the contents of our first issue!
Celebrating Five Years
On November 13, WSC celebrated its fifth anniversary with partners and in-country donors at the Tufenkian Heritage Hotel in Yerevan. It was a time to reflect on the center's various achievements and hurdles over the last five years as well as thank all those who have supported numerous women in breaking free of the cycle of violence. The event began with a welcoming address by Executive Director Maro Matosian, followe d by a short film that showcased the center's work. Tufenkian Foundation Executive Director Antranig Kasbarian then reflected on WSC's origins as a program founded by the Tufenkian Foundation together with USAID and the Armenian International Women's Association and how the small organization went above and beyond everyone's expectations to establish itself as the premier center for domestic violence service provision. Following Dr. Kasbarian, Jack Anderson from the US embassy addressed the crowd, applauding WSC for its hard work, professionalism, and concrete achievements.
[read more →]
December 18, 2015


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ERIC Number: ED254122
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1984-Nov
Pages: 586
Abstractor: N/A
Reference Count: N/A
Application and Enrollment Patterns of Transfer Students, Fall 1983. State University of New York.
State Univ. of New York, Albany. Office of Institutional Research and Analytical Studies.
Data on the application and enrollment patterns of transfer students at the undergraduate level at the State University of New York (SUNY) are presented. The basic statistics show the relation of the transfer student's prior institution, current SUNY institution, and entry level. This information is provided for individual institutions, institution types, and institutions by coordinating area. Additional information is provided regarding trends in transfer students, relationship of the associate degree to transfers, and admissions success of transfer students. The institutional summary tables cover senior colleges, university centers, university colleges, health sciences centers, specialized colleges, statutory colleges, two-year colleges, agricultural and technical colleges, and community colleges. Separate sections on the prior institution cover student transfers from other SUNY institutions, other New York State institutions, and institutions from outside New York State. The trend data cover: full-time undergraduate credit course transfer students at senior institutions; transfer to SUNY senior institutions from SUNY two-year institutions; and enrollment of first-time, transfer, and continuing and returning students. A very brief narrative summary of the data is included. (SW)
Publication Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: State Univ. of New York, Albany. Office of Institutional Research and Analytical Studies.


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Customers Also Viewed
|Bleach Cosplay
|Komamura Soji
|Top, Sash, Accessory, Pants
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Day 24
30 Day Journal. This was a hard one lol and really made me think. Well this howl assignment 30 Day Journal is making me think so much lol lol and I´m having so much fun doing this - even the hard ones.
1 comment:
I want to thank you all for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
I really care about what you say and I like to hear from you.
Take good care my dear blog-friends, and you are welcome back when ever you feel like visiting.
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Ok, I first want to begin by stating exactly how fun the idea of WWE : SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2008 on the Xbox 360 is! The graphics are top notch, the play styles are incredible..I even hate WWE wrestling but found myself litterally HOOKED on this game. The character models are so well done, that you might find it difficult to believe this is just a game! This game actually made me even consider watching a WWE match again(Last time I watched one, it was called WWF, and Hulk hogan was ripping off his shirt and pulverising Rowdy Piper into the mat with the aid of Junkyard dog.)…I didn't watch it again, but definately considered.
So, now you might be thinking "Woah! Perfect game! Must check it out!" Well, hold your horses their pardner…See, the game is SO full of bugs and glitches, its enough to make you wanna rip your hair out and scream…I mean, Don't gaming companies use beta testers anymore? Aren't they supposed to get paid, so Us…the people who are buying their games don't have to do the testing for them? So, our hard earned money can be spent on something fun and entertaining, instead of on a bug filled game that doesn't even work the way it should?? Come on THQ! Get yer head in the game! You rushed this title, and it shows…If you hadn't rushed this game out, you might actually have an incredibly fun game!
So, what are these bugs you might be asking yourself? Well, first and foremost, 70% of the time in 24/7 mode, when you make choices to progress the story, the game chooses a different option FOR you…It doesn't matter if it's choosing your partner in Tag teams, or choosing to accept offers…which basically means, you rarely have any control over the future of your "superstar".
That's not even it! Occasionally, granted, not as frequently as the previously mentioned bug..but occasionally never the less..The game freezes up. I have tried this on different consoles and with different peoples games…Thankfully the freezing bug, doesnt happen too often..but the fact that it does? Still is quite annoying. I paid for a functioning game, not a half assed game. When I plunk down good money, I expect a finished game in return…not something still being worked on..is that too much to ask for?
How about a patch THQ???
Another thing that bugs me about this title is that even if you win a match, the finishing cut-scene shows you as loosing, or being injured and laughed out of the ring by your opponent(Who last I saw was laying in the center of the mat KO'ed and with blood spurting out of his face). I guess this is to progress the storylines and such…but please! If I do all that crap to beat the snot out of someone, I want that to show in the cut-scenes!
In any event, when and if this game gets patched and fixed, This will be an outstanding game..With incredible character creation tools and 3 major brands..And incredible matches(From ladder matches to cage matches)


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Religious Studies and Missiology
Department chair: Prof. Dr. Pieter Boersema
Studies in Religious Studies and Missiology
The department Religious Studies and Missiology consists of two parts in which both 'objective' and 'normative' aspects of religions are empirically investigated.
The Religious Studies section researches theoretical aspects of religions, such as the relationship between religion and cultural identity, but also the casuistry of religious dialogue, with a focus on religious minorities. The Missiology section makes the link between religious studies and the theology of missions.
The geographic center of the research lies in Europe, but additional research in African, Asian or Latin American context allows broader perspectives on Christian presence in multi-religious societies. Within the European context, attention is particularly paid to Church planting projects, the comparison of religious values in Christianity and Islam, new forms of Christian witness and development of missiological theories such as 'Missional Theology'. The deconstruction and reconstruction of identity of various Western European migrant Churches is analyzed and compared with traditional Protestant Evangelical Churches.
Both research sections also deal with topics of global significance, such as freedom of religion and religious persecution
Independent Academic Personnel
|Prof. Dr. Pieter Boersema
|Religion and Cultural Value Systems, Christian Migrants
|Prof. Dr. John R. Franke
|'Missional Theology', Plurality and Christian Witness
|Prof. Dr. Christof Sauer
|Freedom of Religion and Religious Persecution
|Prof. Dr. Christine Schirrmacher
|Islam in Europe and the Middle East, Islam and Human Rights, Sharia Law
|Prof. Dr. Evert van de Poll
|Missiology, Missionary History, Christianity and Mission in Europe today, Messianic Jews
|Dr. Bart Wallet
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Genetic enhancement that enriches emotional well-being is ethical
|Voting Style:
|Point System:
|7 Point
|6 years ago
|Post Voting Period
|6,719 times
|Debate No:
Here's some background for the debate:
Within contemporary debates on the future of human evolution, two very different perspectives have emerged on the developing biomedical and biotechnological transformations of the living world: the bioconservative as opposed to the biorevolutionary.
Bioconservatism is perhaps best characterized by the notion that our technological advancements have effectively done away with natural selection, mutation, and random change. In short, natural human evolution is over. Or as distinguished geneticist Steve Jones puts it, "things have simply stopped getting better, or worse, for our species." Further, bioconservatives resist any kind of "artificial" change, and generally oppose, most prominently, genetic, prosthetic, and cognitive enhancement of human beings to overcome current (what they would call "natural") human biological limitations.
The other side of this debate is the progressive, biorevolutionary position, which argues that human evolution is about to accelerate. We are on the eve, so we are told, of an era of artificial selection and personalized reproductive medicine: "designer babies," to use the popular term. Some scientists already predict that our genetically enhanced successors won't grow old and die, or that if we die, our brains will potentially be restored from digital backup. Others have predicted a biosingularity revolution, in which the exponentially-increasing intelligence of "posthumans" will result in explosive superintelligence.
And yet, few bioethicists have turned their attention to the possibility of genetically pre-programmed emotional well-being, or happiness, or whatever you want to call it. Furthermore, implicit in this possibility is the accompanying idea that our descendants could lead lives bereft of any and all psychological pain.
Some basic rules. The first round will be for accepting this debate, and Con can post any opening statements or questions. I accept full responsibility to make the first argument, but if my opponent wants to go first, he/she may do so. Finally, burden of proof is shared.
Since this is an ethical debate, pertaining to science and medicine, I believe we should adhere to the ruling ethical principle of physicians, the Oath of Hippocrates, "never do harm".
Before we proceed, I have one question:
Will the genetic enhancements produce an individual devoid of negative emotions, or will the enhancements give the individual the capacity to control the chemicals that affect emotions?
Before we begin, let me respond to Con's excellent opening question: either answer suffices for this debate. That said, I argue for a genetic recalibration of our hedonic treadmill that massively enriches hedonic tone while preserving functional analogues of pain, depression, and guilt, not as we know them today but as gradients of happiness. I imagine a future of genetic enhancements in which the floor of comparative ill-being would be higher than our absolute ceiling of well-being today.
As such, we do away with suffering and psychological pain, but preserve our preference architecture, the ability to prefer one thing as better than another. The key is preserving gradients of happiness instead of imposing permanent maximum bliss. Thus, because some things will make you happier than others, value is inherently preserved as a possible ethical category.
"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence."
"It is not God's will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy."
Immanuel Kant
"The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation."
Jeremy Bentham
Happiness has been fundamental to human existence throughout history. I believe it occupies a unique status among the different possible genetic enhancements: where other enhancements are instrumentally good, enriching emotional well-being is the only enhancement that is intrinsically good.
To open the debate, I make two arguments. First, I argue that responsible parents would choose to genetically predispose their children to a happier life. Then, I close with a look at different ethical systems and how genetically enhancing happiness fits as a moral category within them.
Responsible Parenting: Genetic Roulette vs. Designer Babies
What kind of person, if offered the choice, would deliberately pass on genes for haemophilia, sickle-cell anaemia or muscular dystrophy to their children? The answer to that question is the key to any debate about the ethics of genetic modification.
When the requisite biotechnolgoy becomes available, choosing the genetic make-up of your child – as opposed to throwing the genetic dice and hoping they roll the right way – will become the moral responsibility of parenthood. Parents will have the option of using preimplantation diagnosis and germline gene therapy to ensure that potentially harmful genes like the recessive cystic fibrosis allele aren't passed on to their children.
What about genes which contribute to psychological pain and suffering? For example, people who inherit two copies of a "short" version of the chromosome 17 serotonin transporter gene, 5-HTTLPR, have an 80% chance of becoming clinically depressed if they experience three or more negative life-events in five years. By contrast, genetically resilient people who inherit the "long" version have only a 30% chance of developing mental illness in similar circumstances. [1]
If offered the choice via preimplantation diagnosis, would you opt for the long serotonin transporter gene variant for your future child? Or would you decline to choose, putting your faith in Mother Nature? I assume that Con will at least grant my case this much: most parents would prefer, on balance, that their children are temperamentally happy rather than miserable.
It seems almost obvious, then, that responsible parents would choose to avoid alleles and allelic combinations associated with depression. That is the ethically responsible choice. Ignoring the availability of biotechnologies that can make your child's life better, and choosing pure sexual reproduction instead, is the moral equivalent of playing Russian roulette. It effectively turns parenting into gambling.
That's the answer I offer to the question I began this section with: what kind of person would pass on harmful genes to their child? A gambler.
Ethical systems supporting genetic enhancement
a. Utilitarianism
See Bentham's quote above: we are basically talking about Bentham with biotechnology. The moral urgency of genetic enhancements that abolish suffering and enrich emotional well-being follows logically from defining morality as the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
b. Deontological ethics
In contrast to utilitarianism, deontological ethics defines moral action by its adherence to a principle or rule. Kant's moral constructivism formulated by his categorical imperative is a classic example. The idea is that the means do not justify the ends. Is genetic enhancement inherently unethical? Plug it into Kant's categorial imperative, or any other formulation of deontological ethics. As far as I can tell, there is no rule of moral action that genetic enhancement of emotional well-being somehow breaks. I conclude genetic enhancement of an intrinsic good (happiness) is ethically justified on deontological grounds.
c. Buddhism
Buddhists, uniquely among the world's religions, focus on relieving suffering via Nirvana, the extinction of desire. True, a Buddhist may think the Noble Eightfold Path is a superior path to Nirvana than genetic modification, but in principle, a Buddhist ethics would support biotechnology if it worked.
d. Islamic and Judeo-Christian ethics
The Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions claim that God is infinitely compassionate and merciful. So that, if mere mortals can enrich the well-being of all life, it seems obvious that God would permit such actions. In fact, it seems blasphemous to claim that God would limit the scope of His benevolence by denying us the right to make ourselves happy. For support, see Kant's quote above.
e. Ethical pluralism or ethical pragmatism
The obvious point here is that no serious ethical pluralist or pragmatist would deny genetic enhancement that enriches emotional well-being on ethical grounds. Neither the means nor the ends would prove any problem. That said, we can still ask: why would an ethical pluralist or pragmatist take this project seriously? For many reasons. For example: the ethical pluralist/pragmatist would reason that inflicting suffering on others, by withholding a medical technology that can make suffering optional, is immoral. A simple matter of pragmatism.
Another point: an ethical pluralist/pragmatist would look at objective descriptions of reality, and notice that 1 million people commit suicide each year, and 20 million suicides are attempted. Furthermore, they'd notice that mental health disorders (such as depression) are associated with 90% of those cases of suicide. [2] Thus, genetic modification that abolishes suffering and depression would solve the problem of suicide. Again, ethical pragmatism at its best.
f. Alleged character-building function of suffering?
Nietzsche famously said, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger." But I think Nietzsche was misguided. All things equal, enriching emotional well-being strengthens motivation and makes us stronger psychologically. By contrast, prolonged negative emotions and low mood leads to learned helplessness and behavioral despair.
g. Value nihilism and ethical skepticism
What about the subjectivist or ethical skeptic who says all values are simply matters of opinion? In denying objective ethical value in the first place, the ethical system is practically irrelevant to the debate. But for the sake of argument, let's imagine the skeptic is in intense psychological pain. Regardless of one's ethical values, pain will intrinsically motivate that person to seek relief and emotional well-being. In doing so, the ethical skeptic thus acknowledges that it is wrong for himself to be in agony. We can extend this personal subjective experience, and argue allowing psychological pain is wrong for anyone, anywhere. Even the ethical skeptic would admit this much, and thus, even the ethical skeptic ascribes value to happiness.
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...;
[2] http://www.befrienders.org...;
I am glad that my first experience in this site is against such a thorough opponent. I hope to be a worthy debater.
Your premise, as I understand, is to genetically transform human's negative emotions such as guilt, pain and depression into different gradients of happiness.
To set the foundation for this debate, it would be fair if we define happiness as
Enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure, satisfaction, or joy.
I intend to prove that it is unethical to replace human's negative emotions with various degrees of pleasure, satisfaction or joy.
Reply to my opponent's introduction
I appreciate the philosophical quotes made by my opponent; however, because they were made under the present circumstances of happiness not being a guaranteed fact of life, but something that has to be pursued, they actually constitute arguments in my favor.
His first quote by Aristotle, makes my point, because one only considers an "aim and end" something that is not already under our power. So, according to Aristotle, genetic enhancement to guarantee happiness would take from humans such "aim and end".
His second quote by Kant suggests that we should make ourselves happy, but with enhancement we would not be making ourselves happy but made happy by others, since before our birth.
The third quote offers a glimpse of the void that would occur when the happiness of the greatest number is achieved, not by morals and legislation, but by genetic enhancement. Happiness would not require morals or fair legislation.
Responsible Parenting:
Here my opponent brings as a debating point, genetic enhancement against hereditary congenital diseases. Such argument was not part of the original premise. The original premise did not include the genetic cure or prevention of diseases. That, in itself, is subject of a different debate.
Because the genetic correction of conditions was not originally stated, this debate is about the genetic enhancement of average humans to replace negative emotions with degrees of happiness.
Considering that parents are not experts in psychology, psychiatry, neurology, and genetics, I would totally take the parents out of an ethical equation. Ethics should only be assessed by those with full direct technical knowledge of the subject, that is, genetic enhancement. Those who would perform, or authorize such techniques without full knowledge of science and consequences are indeed the gamblers.
Ethical systems that support enhancement
Considering that most religions and philosophies are based on current and average human emotional traits, they should be ruled out as a measure of the ethics of enhancement. You cannot apply old premises to a completely new human biology, a new human biology different from the biology that was the result of thousands of years of evolution (or God's design if you are a creationist).
So what ethics can be applied to settle this debate? Pragmatism. As I stated in my acceptance statement, the ethics that should apply in this case are the basic pragmatic medical ethics: Do not do harm.
Is Genetically Enhanced Happiness Harmful?
To avoid undue speculation, I will assume that all the kinks in the genetic enhancement procedure have been ironed out and that no malignant physical side effects are present. The result of a genetic happiness enhancement is a baby that can only experience various degrees of happiness, and as such will grow up into adulthood.
Is this harmful or helpful?
Evolution produced pain and discomfort to direct humans to avoid or correct harmful situations. Absence of pleasure is not enough a motivator to avoid drinking scalding hot coffee before rushing to work in the morning, or to wear 10 pounds of unflattering garments in wintertime. Burning and freezing are motivators, they are negative sensations. They are necessary.
Evolution likewise provided humans with negative emotions to direct them to avoid or correct situations, or to adapt to life in society. Those emotions also cause involuntary gestures and reactions that direct others towards certain behaviors. Your premise advocates depriving humans of such survival tools.
I will give a few examples of the benefit of negative emotions:
Fear is a basic and necessary emotion, because it triggers physical fight or flight responses needed for our survival. Pleasure, satisfaction or joy instead of fear is not a suitable response to a threat.
Anger protects against exploitation. Anger causes involuntary reactions that are interpreted by the other party and is intended to cause a change of behavior. Pleasure, satisfaction or joy will not produce in self or others, a change of exploitative behavior.
Guilt motivates to fulfill obligations to self and to others.
Pain, can trigger reactions, like tears, that elicit compassion from others in times of need.
I could keep going but there is ample
Depriving average humans of the array of negative emotional tools that are a result of evolution is harmful, therefore, it is unethical.
EVOLUTIONARY EXPLANATIONS OF EMOTIONS, Randolph M. Nesse, The University of Michigan
The Origin of Emotions, Mark Devon.
Let me begin by rejecting Con's definition of happiness because it limits it to today's standards. A genetically enriched emotional palette may assume textures conceptually unimaginable to us. I will go through Con's response to my case first, and close with my response to Con's case.
Aristotle: increasing happiness does not take away from the meaning and purpose of life. Con assumes an incoherent concept of maximum possible happiness, which becomes meaningless after it is attained.
Kant: Con's distinction between "ourselves" and "others" is flawed, because "ourselves" implies collective society, not individuals against individuals.
Bentham: Con's effort to misinterpret this quote is one of the most incoherent attempts to twist meaning I've ever seen. The quote states that happiness is the foundation of morals. Con responds by interpreting the quote to mean "happiness would not require morals." Con has completely misinterpreted the point of the quote, which is that morality is itself determined by the greatest quantity of happiness.
Responsible Parenting
According to Con, because "this debate is about the genetic enhancement of average humans to replace negative emotions with degrees of happiness," my entire argument about parenting is irrelevant. Such quick dismissals are usually a sign of misunderstanding or misrepresentation. In this case, I think Con understands the argument and attempts to downplay its obvious strength via quick dismissal.
This is what I was arguing: that responsible parenting means choosing the best possible life for your child. This is the same argument that Julian Savulescu makes, and that's important because Savulescu is a major proponent of ethical pragmatism, the same ethical framework that Con herself chooses. Savulescu is the director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, and argues for "procreative beneficence," which is the idea that parents are ethically obligated to choose the best possible life they can for their children. That is the argument I made, and I agree with it. Con did not respond to it, and instead drops it entirely.
I went even further, and argued that the ethical consequences of parents not choosing the best life for their children is to equate parenting with gambling. In my opinion, that is an unacceptable ethical consequence. Con does not respond to that argument either, implying that Con thinks it is ethical for parents to gamble with their children's lives.
Ethical systems that support enhancement
Con completely drops my arguments mobilizing various ethical systems in support of genetically enhancing our degrees of happiness. Con argues that these ethical systems cannot apply to a "completely new human biology" because it would be "different from the biology that was the result of thousands of years of evolution." Why not? Why should the medical ethic -- "do not do harm" -- be applied, but these carefully worked out ethical systems be completely abandoned?
What Con does in this argument is dangerously facile and simplistic: Con implicitly and selectively equates natural human biology (as the process of evolution) with the morally good in all these ethical systems. Of course, Con completely ignores the fact that the morally good in these ethical systems has nothing to do with nature, human biology, or the process of evolution. I will help Con out here: Plato's concept of justice in the Republic is an example of an ethical system predicated on equating the good with what is natural. But the systems I offered in support of genetic enhancement are not dependent in any way on nature or human biology.
I ask Con and our readers give it some thought. Utilitarianism is an objective standard (greatest quantity of happiness) that holds regardless of changes in human biology. Kant's categorical imperative, as a moral system based on practical reason, is objective and independent of human biology. The Buddhist imperative to end suffering applies to all sentient beings and holds regardless of human biology. The divine command of the Islamic and Judeo-Christian God, again, is independent of how things are, and moreover, the benevolence of such a God would support our choice to seek happiness. In each of these cases, it is important to distinguish descriptive ethics (the ways things are) to normative ethics (the way things should be): these are normative ethical systems.
Finally, Con agrees with ethical pragmatism, yet Con drops my argument that ethical pragmatism supports genetic enhancement to end suffering. Con should revisit that argument, where I argued it would be pragmatic to end suffering because it would solve the problem of suicide. I look forward to Con's responses on these ethical systems in the next round.
Con's Case: Is Genetically Enhanced Happiness Harmful?
I will try to keep this brief, as Con only offers a single argument in support of her position. This is what it boils down to: depriving humans of negative emotions is harmful, and causing harm is unethical. Con's reasoning goes something like this, because human evolution originally selected for negative emotions as a way to avoid harm, therefore selecting against negative emotions will cause harm.
I counter: if human evolution selected for negative emotions at a time when they were necessary, does it not make sense that human evolution will select against negative emotions when they are no longer necessary?
The obvious problem with Con's position is that it conflates descriptive ethics with normative ethics. Con's argument also makes use of the following incorrect assumptions and faulty logic: 1) the assumption that humans cannot continue evolving; 2) circular reasoning by arguing we should not continue human evolution because human evolution is over; 3) the assumption that selecting against a trait automatically produces the effect it was originally chosen in response to.
My extended responses:
1) With the advent of genetic modification, human evolution is about to accelerate. Artificial selection will replace natural selection, producing a different kind of selection pressure that will favor a different set of adaptations than traits that were genetically adaptive in the world of natural selection.
2) Arguing that it is unethical to continue human evolution because human evolution is over is a circular argument. I argue that human evolution is not over, and the very possibility of genetic enhancement proves that it is not over. Thus, we can discredit Con's circular argument as fallacious.
3) It does not follow that, because negative emotions were selected to avoid harm, not having negative emotions will cause harm. As Con herself notes, because human biology after genetic enhancements will differ from current human biology, any comparison of this kind of misguided. Con's logic works against her.
Another point: although negative emotion has been adaptive in our evolutionary past, there is no reason to suppose negative emotion is the ONLY way a complex adaptive system can avoid, and respond to, harm. In fact, by preserving our preference architecture, recalibrating the hedonic treadmill will facilitate critical discernment, rational decision-making, and motivated behavior.
Truth is, our psychologically super-fit descendants will not need negative emotions as coping-mechanisms. Happy people generally love life, and their resourcefulness should make them far better equipped to deal with life's practical inconveniences.
Also, Con underestimates the harm caused by depression. I've already listed suicide, but other harms follow as well. For example, depressed people often fall into a lethargic stupor because they realize, no matter how much effort they put into life, they're still depressed. Besides suffering, this causes learned helplessness and an inability to "get out of bed."
What reason do we have to suppose the harms caused by happiness outweigh the harms caused by suffering? Hint: Con provides none because there is none.
To start, the instigator rejects my definition of happiness, but does not provide his own definition. In lieu of that, he uses the expression "unimaginable emotional textures". Since the debate requires for us to be able to at least conceptualize what we are arguing about, I will again try to define my opponent's version of enhanced happiness as: "unimaginable positive emotion". I urge him to present a different definition if he does not agree.
My opponent's quotes do not support his point, because our current means of reaching a state of happiness, involve, among other things, controlling or correcting situations that produce unhappiness. Since the individual, society and the environment constantly produce situations that need to be corrected or controlled, happiness is elusive. That is why Aristotle and Kant portray happiness as a goal, not as a permanent state.
Concerning Bentham, he does not only imply that the greatest quantity of happiness is needed, but that it should be applicable to the greatest number of people. If the greatest number of people will be happy, not from social and moral conditions leading to happiness, but from genetic programming, it takes away, from lawmakers and society, the accountability of acting morally and fairly to prevent unhappiness and suffering. So the absence of negative feelings would result in the deterioration of morals and fairness.
Responsible Parenting
The reason I limit this debate to enhancing emotions on average humans is because that was the original premise of the debate. I understand that genetic enhancement can be used to alleviate illnesses, such as clinical depression, but again, that is the subject of a different debate. In this case we are discussing the ethics of the application of a biomedical technique on a normal and healthy individual, for non-therapeutic reasons.
My opponent claims that I dismissed his argument about gambling. Actually I did not, I specifically addressed it. He claims that the removal of negative emotions is not harmful. I debate for the con. That is the core of the ethics of this debate. In the case of parenting, permanently depriving a human of the capacity to experience negative emotions, which are survival tools, over the possible correction of a condition that only has a small probability of occurring, is gambling. In gambling, your chances of losing are greater than the chances of winning. The instigator's premise is akin to parents requesting a permanent increase of a child's blood clotting capacity, because there are people who are born with haemophilia.
Ethical systems
My opponent has presented as arguments the tenants of Judeo/Christian/Islamic religions that believe in hell as punishment for sins, or that consider suffering a result of free will. So those religions do not favor his argument, but mine. Both Buddhism and Hinduism invest Nirvana with connotations, not of happiness, but lack of attachments, disinterest. So those are not supporting his arguments either.
The ethical systems that the instigator presented are based on happiness as we know it, as the result of actions to promote positive feelings or to avoid negative feelings, and not of a permanent status of "unimaginable positive emotions". Since my opponent has placed most of this argument outside the sphere of our imagination, we have to limit ourselves to the simplest ethical principle, to do no harm.
My opponent dismisses the connection between human biology an ethical systems. I disagree. Current human biology is a result of natural evolution. It produces emotions (brain chemistry), linking actions and behaviors with emotions. Most ethical systems deal with values related to human conduct. This is a series of connected links: values, conduct, biology, emotion. By removing negative emotions you have removed half of the emotional link in the ethics chain.
Is Genetically Enhanced Happiness Harmful?
To restate the parameters of this debate, they do not include a genetic increase of intelligence, a reduction of base instincts, or an increase in empathy. The instigator has reaffirmed that preference architecture will remain as is. He is just debating for an enhancement of happiness. I argue that lack of negative emotions will remove adaptive traits needed for life in society.
My opponent claims that I underestimate the harm caused by clinical depression. I have not. I just claim that therapeutic use of genetic modification is not part of this debate. Genetic enhancement of happiness in normal individuals is superfluous, because normal individuals have natural mechanisms to increase happiness (fight depression) such as exercise, good nutrition, exposure to sunlight, and altruism.
The instigator asks what harm is caused by happiness, when that is not the issue. Varied degrees of happiness are nothing new, absence of negative emotion is. He also contends that happiness enhanced humans will use their love and resourcefulness to deal with practical inconveniences. Again, this debate is about enhancing happiness, not about increasing intelligence (resourcefulness) or love (preference architecture), so he is advancing an unsupported conclusion.
The instigator argues that human evolution selected for negative emotions, at a time when they were necessary, and that human evolution will select against negative emotions when they are no longer necessary. While I agree with this theoretical premise, there is nothing in his argument that supports the fact that negative emotions will no longer be necessary. They are a response to both human and non-human threats, events and social situations, which will remain mostly unchanged.
The instigator argues that artificial selection will replace natural selection. I argue that artificial selection will not be sustainable unless it follows (in an accelerated manner if you will) the exact same path as natural selection. The reason is because, in this debate, we are not considering a gross modification of the environment, or non-happiness-related aspects of human nature. Therefore modifying emotional biology when the rest of the environment and human psyche stays the same equates to permanently depriving humans of adaptive traits. That is harmful.
The instigator advances that recalibrating the hedonic treadmill will facilitate critical discernment, and rational decision making. I disagree. Neuroscientist Robert Burton, in his book "On Being Certain" explains "certainty" as positive feelings can lead to beliefs that are not based on reason. In other words, positive feelings can hamper critical discernment.
In conclusion, replacing negative feelings with unimaginable positive feelings does not outweigh the harm of permanently depriving normal individuals of an adaptive mechanism. That is why I say that genetically enhancing happiness is unethical.
Thank you, Anayansi, for this debate.
Con states: "Aristotle and Kant portray happiness as a goal, not as a permanent state." I am not talking about a permanent state. I've stressed repeatedly that we are talking about degrees of happiness: some things make you happier than others.
As for Bentham, why limit the production of happiness to social conditions? Bentham surely urges genetic programming as an end of utilitarian ethics. The "absence of negative feelings" would not "result in the deterioration of morals" precisely because moral action is action that generates greater happiness. Hence, genetically enhancing well-being is a moral action.
Responsible Parenting
The debate is about enhancing "emotional well-being." The enhancements will result in the treatment of depression by default, and that is a GOOD thing. Not sure why Con insists depression is the topic of a different debate, if the topic of this debate is "emotional well-being." Almost every psychiatric disorder is a component of emotional life, and all are subjects of this debate.
Last Round, I wrote: "parents are ethically obligated to choose the best possible life they can for their children." Con disregards my argument. We can assume, then, that Con grants us that parents must choose the best life for their children.
Here's the problem. If ending suffering is a bad thing, parents should make sure their children suffer. If parents make sure their children suffer, parents run the risk of depressed, emotionally ill, even suicidal children. Their children may even be unemployable because of emotional problems. We can conclude, then, that parents who do this are not choosing the best possible life for their children if they have the option of preventing their children from having emotional problems.
Con's in a no-win situation here: if Con insists that parents should let their children suffer, parents will act unethically. But if Con agrees that it is unethical, and that parents should do something, Con concedes my argument, and with it, the debate.
Ethical systems
Con completely drops my arguments for Utilitarianism and Kant's categorical imperative.
As for Judeo-Christian ethics, "hell as punishment for sins" does not imply that God would not allow genetic enhancements. Con's conclusions do not flow from her premises.
Buddhist ethics is about ending suffering. Con thinks "lack of attachments" means emotional well-being is unethical, but that makes no sense: for Buddhists, lack of attachment implies emotional well-being, as the end of suffering. Hence, nothing Con argues discredits my argument that genetically enhancing emotional well-being is supported by the Buddhist imperative to end suffering.
On the connection between human biology and ethical systems: Con tries to blur the line between biology and ethical systems, which is basically blurring the line between descriptive ethics (nature, the way things are) and normative ethics (how things ought to be). The two are philosophically distinct, yet Con continues to blur the two.
Con states: "By removing negative emotions you have removed half of the emotional link in the ethics chain." In Round 2, I explained that genetic enhancements would preserve degrees of well-being and preserve our preference architecture. I then explained that this would also preserve functional analogues of negative emotions. This means that there will be positive emotions that function the same way as pain, guilt, and other negative emotions. Con accepted this in Round 2, never even contesting it. So why, then, does Con insist that removing negative emotions removes the "emotional link in the ethics chain," if functional analogues of negative emotions are preserved?
Is Genetically Enhanced Happiness Harmful?
Con claims that "lack of negative emotions will remove adaptive traits needed for life in society." But Con provides no argument to support this claim. Con does not even show that, without negative emotions, we would not survive.
What Con does show is that negative emotions currently have a function in society. But what I argued did not contest that fact. What I argued in Round 2 was that genetic enhancements that enrich emotional well-being would preserve functional analogues of these negative emotions. Con granted me this point. So: what Con had to do was show that these functional analogues would not be sufficient. But Con never even tried to argue this point.
Some other points
Con agreed with the "theoretical premise" that "human evolution will select against negative emotions when they are no longer necessary." Problem is, by agreeing to this premise, Con effectively checkmates herself. This is how:
Con is forced to argue that, because natural mechanisms can increase happiness, we should not use artificial mechanisms to increase happiness. Of course, the obvious response is, why not? What exactly is it about artificial mechanisms that make them immoral? Con provides no answer to this, does not even try to.
In fact, Con later states: "I believe that we can make changes that could be considered man-made evolution." Well, which is it? Con dismisses artificial mechanisms in one breath, and in the next, embraces them. And therein lies the incoherence of Con's position.
If Con accepts artificial selection mechanisms, then Con concedes the debate because Con has accepted that human evolution will do away with negative emotions, and artificial selection provides the selection pressure to remove negative emotions. Hence, contrary to Con's own statements otherwise, Con cannot accept artificial selection.
But if Con does not accept artificial selection, Con has to provide a reason against it. Con was unable to do so, which is why Con was forced, later in Round 3, to accept artificial selection. Con's argument thus not only accepts artificial selection, but implies an inability to deny it on ethical (or any other) grounds. Con effectively concedes the debate on this crucial point.
Functional Analogues
I've already emphasized repeatedly throughout the debate that genetic enhancements preserve functional analogues to fear, guilt, anger, pain, and other negative emotions. Con accepted this in Round 2, yet implicitly disregards the fact throughout the rest of the debate by continuing to argue that without negative emotions, we'd have no emotions to play the same role that they once did.
On the contrary: with genetically enhanced well-being, people will feel positive emotions that FUNCTION the same as negative emotions, but without the nasty feeling attached to negative emotions.
Instead, Con keeps insisting (by ignoring my arguments) that ending suffering would deprive individuals of an adaptive mechanism. But as I've argued, what genetically enhanced well-being would do is replace an outdated adaptive mechanism with a superior adaptive mechanism. That is how human evolution works. To argue against this point will always and necessarily traffic in circular reasoning. Why? Because the argument says, we should not choose a new adaptive mechanism because we have an old adaptive mechanism that does the same thing. This is saying the same thing, which I pointed out in Round 3, as this: we should not allow human evolution to continue because human evolution is over. The circular fallacy is self-evident. Con disregards my point in Round 3, and continues to push it by rhetorically presenting it as different.
Con only made one argument. That denying humans negative emotions would cause harm. Yet as I have shown, the argument relies on circular reasoning, and also completely disregards the form of genetic enhancements that Con and I have been talking about: a recalibration of the hedonic treadmill. The idea is to preserve degrees of happiness, a preference architecture, and functional analogues of negative emotions. The resolution is affirmed.
I'd like to remind Con that the last Round is for summation, and not for making new arguments, because I'd be unable to respond. Thanks.
Conclusion: Back to basics
My opponent presented, as background for the debate, that genetically pre-programmed emotional well-being, preserving functional analogues of pain, depression, and guilt, as gradients of happiness, is ethical. He did not explain the mechanics of such functionality. He used the expression "textures (of happiness) conceptually unimaginable" which creates a fissure in the conceptual logic of the debate.
He did not mention, in the background, that the debate was about genetic enhancement to eliminate diseases. This would make it a totally different debate because the ethics of the application of a procedure for healing, is different than the ethics of application of an unnecessary biomedical procedure on a healthy human. So I reject any therapeutic argument, on principle.
My opponent presented as support for his argument: quotes, responsible parenting/gambling, religious and ethical systems. I stated that what he presented does not support his position, but mine. To avoid repetition, I will leave this issue to the reader. Not before noting, however, that while we disagreed about several of the above issues, we could both agree that the ethical principle of doing no harm is applicable.
Is Genetically Enhanced Happiness Harmful?
Yes it is harmful, thus unethical, because it deprives humans of adaptive traits needed for survival.
My opponent admits that negative emotions currently have a function in society. He claims that I have not argued that functional analogues of negative emotions, interpreted as degrees of happiness are insufficient. I did make such argument, in Round 2, complemented in Round 3 with examples of three basic negative emotions: fear, anger, guilt and pain, and how their replacement with degrees of happiness is not enough to ensure survival. I drew a parallel with negative physical feelings, and provided a very interesting source about the Evolutionary Explanation for Emotions by Nesse.
My opponent claims that my agreeing with the theoretical premise that when negative emotions are no longer necessary, they will be selected against, implies self-defeat. This is false. I specifically pointed out that I do not believe that there will be a day when negative emotions are no longer necessary. They are a survival trait resulting from evolution, same as physical pain.
I have not argued against artificial mechanism to increase happiness. They exist already in the form of various chemicals, and procedures. What I argue against is the ethics of permanently depriving a healthy human of his adaptive tools.
I have not accepted that sustainable human evolution will do away with negative emotions. The reason is because any sustainable selection process, natural or artificial, still has to contend with the environment and the behavior of humans, who will have the same preference architecture, and the same intelligence. In other words genetically enhanced happiness will not be sustainable. My opponent has not presented any evidence otherwise.
My opponent argued from the start for replacing negative emotions with degrees of happiness.He argues that, all else being the same, positive emotions in genetically altered individuals will function the same as negative emotions, without the nasty feeling attached to negative emotions.What he fails to correlate is that negative emotions are caused by real nasty events, like loss, disease, oppression, and abandonment. Negative emotions are only the symptoms of whatever causes suffering. The real nasty events will continue happening whether the individual is enhanced or not.
Emotions like fear of contracting a disease, pain of loss, and depression of abandonment, are produced by real events that have negative consequences for human survival.. Because these emotions are unpleasant, humans learn to try to avoid those events, and increase their chance of survival as species.
What my opponent proposes is to divorce nasty emotions from nasty events, and wants to make us believe that positive emotions will function as equally effective motivators for us to avoid nasty events, just because he says so. I wish he would have presented, for our consideration, one conclusive overview of this functionality, apart from the use of the word "unimaginable" to define the textures of feelings he advocates. My opponent did not prove his core argument, while I offered a logical chain to prove mine.
I tried to be as brief as possible to spare the non-genetically-enhanced reader from undue suffering. I was afraid that, if I made this too long, the reader's naturally evolved adaptive mechanism will prompt him or her to shut off the computer before voting, and seek instead pleasant activities to preserve the species.
Since the get go, round 1, I tried to focus on the fact of whether they worked or not. That is why I introduced medical ethics. "Do no harm". That laid the field to show that introducing something that does not work in a human is harmful, thus unethical.
In round 2, I gave specific examples of the function of basic negative emotions and how positive emotions would not work instead of the negative ones. You ignored those examples, and took the evolutionary route instead.
On round 3, I posted:
"there is nothing in his argument that supports the fact that negative emotions will no longer be necessary. They are a response ..."
This is a cue, I think, to reply by explaining how the absence of negative emotions can be functionally replaced by positive emotions, making negative emotions unnecessary.
Again, this was my first debate and if I failed to set my foot down and demand, in clearer terms, an explanation of the functionality, I wonder if I was too subtle(?)
It was a great debate anyways, FourTrouble!
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John Coleman is a Painter and Decorator based in Ewell, Surrey with over 30 years of experience and expertise ranging from complete house refurbishment to decorating single rooms.
He specialises in Wallpaper hanging for domestic properties throughout Surrey from Richmond to Cobham. He works independently and in collaboration with interior designers and is happy to give advise on the best solutions for your job.
His wealth of experience and knowledge makes John a Traditional Craftsman of his trade. John specialises in all types of wall coverings including Woven, Non-woven,
Patterned Murals and traditional Anaglyta wallpaper..
Visit the Craftsman Page to learn about "Tools of the trade" or Get ideas from Wallpapers page, Learn about Traditional Paint Schemes and How to get the best from Interiors features.


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Prophecy: Music and identity since 1996.
From 1996 on when we put out our first release, Prophecy has represented identity-establishing music and high-quality product design.
In Greek mythology, Hekate is the goddess of magic, mediating between the realms of life and death. Hekate, the band, was formed in 1991 and is one of the foremost protagonists of German neofolk. Over the course of five albums, the group has combined folk, medieval and classical music with striking percussion and electronic elements to create a distinctly individual style, which reaches its temporary climax on their sixth record "Totentanz" ("dance of death").


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The Importance of listening and tomatoes in Zambia
Do you know how to listen? I meet new people all the time through my work and travels and I'm amazed at how many of them just don't understand the importance of listening.
They talk and talk and talk about themselves and have no interest in finding out about me.
Having been taught good manners by my parents, and being Irish, who are a hospitable people, I always attempt to strike up a conversation when I meet someone new.
I ask their name, and where they're from and what they like to do. Whatever it takes to build rapport and learn something about them.
But I have noticed how many people just talk about themselves and don't seem to know how to listen.
Just because you listen doesn't make you a therapist
Several months ago, I was having tea with a colleague at Starbucks. We were discussing various topics related to our business – nothing remarkable.
My friend later told me that after I left, a man sitting nearby asked her if I was a therapist. He said he hadn't seen anyone listen to another so intently since he was getting counseling for PTSD after the Korean War.
I tell this story not to praise my own listening skills. I just want to make the point that I think it's a sad state of affairs that so few people listen in our society that, when they do, it's assumed they must be therapists!
The fact that people need help in learning how to listen is also evidenced by the fact that for a long time, the most popular post on my website was: "38 Conversation Starters."
And that tells me people know they need help in learning how to have a two-sided conversation. Which means alternating between talking and listening.
The benefits of learning how to listen
- You can broaden your knowledge. You will probably learn something you didn't know before.
- You show respect when you listen to another, and they in turn will respect you for having listened to them.
- People like a listener; you'll be well thought of and have better relationships.
- Listening carefully can avoid misunderstandings.
How to practice active listening
- Remove distractions. Put down the cell phone or i-Pad and look the other person in the eye. [with a smile I might add]. No multi-tasking!
- Listen to the speaker, giving them your full attention. Notice their mannerisms and tone of voice. Don't just listen to their words, but try to understand their message.
- Show you're listening by occasionally nodding, laughing, make small verbal comments like "yes" or "uh huh" to indicate you're paying attention.
- When they pause, ask a question and wait for the answer. Listen, then ask more questions. Paraphrase back what they've said to make sure you understand.
Asking the right questions while listening
A big part of listening is asking the right questions. You might be surprised at what you can learn.
In fact, there's an old teaching that the person who asks the last question is in control of the conversation.
Have you ever noticed that if you go to a store or car dealership, the salesperson will ask you a lot of questions? They're taking control of not only the situation, but of you.
I like to turn the tables when I shop and I ask the questions of the sales person. I know what I want and what information I need.
One salesman told me I was the most discerning buyer he'd ever met!
Just be sure to add to your list of questions, "Is there anything else you think I need to know!
I believe one reason my Conversation Starters article is popular is that it's a list of questions. Ask the right questions and you've started a conversation. And you can also avoid a whole lot of misunderstanding down the line.
The importance of listening and tomatoes in Zambia
In his popular talk on TED.com, Ernesto Sirolli tells the story of going to Zambia with seeds to teach the Zambian people how to grow Italian tomatoes and zucchini in their magnificent fertile valley.
The Italians couldn't understand why the Zambians didn't have any agriculture in such a fertile area. Yet the Zambians showed no interest in learning how to farm.
The Italians thought, "Thank God we're here. Just in time to save the Zambian people from starvation."
The tomatoes grew beautifully in that valley and, just when they were ripe and red, overnight, some 200 hippos came out from the river and ate everything!
And the Zambians pointed out, "That's why we have no agriculture here."
"Why didn't you tell us?
"You never asked."
So ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. There is a whole new world out there for you to discover.[quote]"If you listen close at night, you will hear the creatures of the dark, all of them sacred – the owls, the crickets, the frogs, the night birds – and you will hear beautiful songs, songs you have never heard before. Listen with your heart. Never stop listening." Henry Quick Bear, Lakota[/quote]
Molly Larkin is the co-author of the international best-seller "The Wind Is My Mother; The Life and Teachings of a Native American Shaman." She is passionate about helping people live life to their fullest potential through her classes and blog at www.MollyLarkin.com


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Reader Question: Dealing With Personal Emergencies
We often report on major worldwide emergencies. But how do you deal with the unheralded emergencies in your own life?
8 Responses to "Reader Question: Dealing With Personal Emergencies"
Jen R Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 10:21 am
I rely on my partnership with my husband. More often than not, we come out stronger in the end.
Mary I Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 11:13 am
I've always had to draw on an inner strength when life sends its inevitable shock waves, even though I am married. Being an only child who lost both parents relatively young, there's been no one who could ever support me at that level. I have wonderful close friends, but they have their own crises, so there are times when my Catholic faith is often the only sure thing I can cling to.
Donna Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Initially I go into autopilot, assess the situation and respond. Thankfully, we live in a country where resources are in place to aid in any emergency (medically, catastrophically, emotionally…) Afterwards, I ask "What is God trying to teach me through this? How can I give God glory in this? How can I pay it forward? I don't want to waste the trial."
M.J. napoli Says:
July 27th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I cling and trust in the word of God which says, God can take any situation and make good come of it.
lck Says:
July 29th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Pray to God and trust in HIm which is not always easy, but it is the best solution.
Lola McGourty Says:
July 30th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
People in my life–Number One–my husband of 38 years helps me. I have a current crisis with my 85-year-old mother, who is in hospice care, but is not dying "fast enough" for Medicare guidelines–what an awful situation. We will soon have to seek some dissolution of her assets to continue the care she needs. Our society does not reward longevity. My church and daily Mass is my other source of support. God gives me what I need when I need it.
I have a wonderful priest friend from India. My family gave him his first USA Christmas 9 years ago. He hugged me last week when I was upset by being "chewed out" by an elderly woman in the Catholic hospital chapel. He put his hands on my shoulders and said, "I need you" (I usually read at the Masses). I have PTSD and was headed out the door to another church. He took care of the woman who is a general troublemaker (I feel sorry she is that way).
I realized later that he was Jesus speaking to me through this gifted priest–the closest I have ever physically felt to Jesus in my life. It was awesome. Jesus said, "I need you."
john T Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
For the past 40 years my wife and I have developed a network of friends who agree that "we are all in this together". Consequently, we share resources: housing, food, medical, professional services, and yes money when any of us are in need.
Upendra Sontakke, India Says:
August 31st, 2011 at 12:27 am
I feel all above comments are important as these helps you in any emergencies if your inner belief is strong and you have faith in positive side you will come out of the situation. In any personally emergency family members and friends play a important role. In my personal emergencies I don't hesitate to seek support from my well wishers and as I have worked in CRS emergency programs the response and preparedness both are always ready.
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Before the advent of the printing press, each copy of the Qur'an were calligraphered ( written by hand), and for this purpose, there always has been, in every age, a large group of calligraphers whose sole purpose in life was (and still is) nothing else except the calligraphy of the Qur'an. The calligraphy place an important place in Muslim art and amount to hard work put in by Muslims in writing the words of the Qur'an in ever better styles. they have demonstrated their intense emotional involvement with this great Book has a long and interesting history of its own and this a entirely a separate subject itself.
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2017 Legislative Activity
Action Alert, May 2017
Contact State Senators now – Tell them to oppose SB130
The State of Connecticut wants to tax you for adopting, rescuing and saving the lives of homeless animals!
Urge your State Senator to oppose SB 130, which mandates that 5% of adoption fees be collected from all nonprofit rescues and animal adoption organizations when an animal is adopted. Click here today to tell your Senator it's wrong to tax saving an animal's life!
The State of Connecticut seeks to impose a tax that it's calling a "surcharge" on every animal adoption. If you rescue a dog, cat, bird, horse, ferret, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or other species from any rescue, animal control or organization that is saving animals' lives, the State wants a cut.
The State wants to tax nonprofits and, in turn, you, the rescuer, for opening your heart and home to sick, abandoned and homeless animals. There should be no obstacles put in the way of someone who wants to adopt/rescue an animal.
SB 130 dictates that the surcharge levied on nonprofits and all adoptions go into the State's Animal Abuse Cost Recovery account. This does not guarantee the money will be used to care for animals. Special funds have been raided in the past, and now the plan is to do it again to pay for 2017's deficit.
This tax is dangerous: It's a tax on nonprofits. It's a tax on rescuing. What tax will come next?
Tell your Senator to oppose SB 130, The Surcharge (tax) on Adoptions.


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See talented Simon & Schuster writers Douglas Kennedy, Susan Philpott and Amy Stuart read from their latest works, all edge-of-your-seat psychological thrillers. Quill & Quire editor, Sue Carter, will host the reading!
Douglas Kennedy
Douglas Kennedy is the author of 11 previous novels, including the international bestsellers The Moment and Five Days. His work has been translated into 22 languages, and in 2007 he received the French decoration of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. He divides his time between London, New York and Montreal, and has two children. Kennedy presents The Blue Hour, a thought-provoking page-turner about a woman who becomes the prime suspect in the police inquiry into her lover's disappearance.
Susan Philpott
Susan Philpott holds a master's degree in both science and social work. She has worked as a university teaching assistant, zookeeper and mental health professional. The mother of three grown children, she lives in the wilds of Ontario with her husband and yellow lab. Philpott presents Dark Territory, a taut, high-speed thriller about a young woman who will stop at nothing to save the people she loves.
Amy Stuart
Amy Stuart won the 2011 Writers' Union of Canada Short Prose Competition for Developing Writers, and was a finalist for the 2012 Vanderbilt/Exile Award. She is a recent masters' graduate from the University of British Columbia. Stuart lives in Toronto with her husband and her three sons. She presents Still Mine, a get-under-your-skin thriller that will make you question what it means to lose yourself and find yourself in the most unlikely places.