Critical Thinking Questions
- Can the development of GMOs have adverse effects on people’s health? (discuss allergens/toxins, altered nutrient content, etc)
- If the consumption or production of a GMO results in negative side effects (ex. consumer illness), who should be held responsible? (When discussing your choice, please explain why)
- Due to the fact that there is limited information on the long term effects of GMOs, should researchers/creators be held responsible for their products' future impacts?
- Does the public have the right to know when they’re consuming a GMO? Why or why not?
- How do you feel about GMO labeling? Should it be more widespread?
- Could the development of a GMO have unintended negative effects on the natural environment? (ex. creation of “super weeds”)
- If a GMO were to have an unintended effect on the environment, who is to be held responsible? What is a reasonable punishment?
- Is the regulation of GMOs too relaxed? What can be done to ensure safe production/consumption of GMOs?
- In what ways can GMOs be safely tested to ensure that both creation and consumption are both realistic and ethical options?
- If the benefits of a particular GMO outweigh other negative aspects (ex. local environmental impact) what course of action should be taken? Should production and/or consumption of such a product cease?
Trent Cummings