what may be called a ‘charter of privileges’, which is the basis of any
material and scientific progress realised by humankind since s/he was
created as ‘Imago Dei’ (in the image of God). God has given
humankind the privilege of subduing the universe so as to acquire the
mastery and knowledge of his/her environment. This is to serve the
human race and safeguard the whole creation for the good of humankind
and for the glory of God. As a consequence, man is called to be respon-
sible towards not only God but also the humanityby bearing in mind
this ethical question : ‘What should I do well in the search for the good
of humankind and God’s glory ?’ The ethical question related to
GMOs, and to any other issue, is linked to ‘legitimising’ and
humankind’s responsibility towards any innovation.
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) : What Are They?
The evolution of molecular biology, genetic engineering,^1 and
computer science has allowed greater access to the genetic heritage of
living beings through the development of new sciences such as
biotechnology. The latter has brought about sophisticated tools that
allow modification or improvement of the genetic heritage of living
beings. The expression ‘Genetically Modified Organisms’ defines
organisms, the genetic characteristics^2 of which have been modified
by a technique excluding multiplication or natural combination. In
other words, GMOs are living organisms, animals or plants, the
genetic material of which has been modified by incorporating one or
more genes^3 from another living organism.^4
The development of GMOs in the food processing industry net-
work present advantages, as well as risks of various kinds. This arti-
cle deals with GMOs in two respects : economic advantages and real
and/or potential risks.
- Advantages of GMOs
According to their advocates, GMOs offer the following economic
and agricultural advantages :^5
a)Economy of inputs :the use of GMOs resisting to certain diseases
or insects permits to avoid or reduce the contribution of pesti-
cides and, hence, limits the consumption of such products in
agriculture.
b) Economy of time and technical itinerary simplification :the use of
GMOs helps save time and simplifies technical itineraries. In fact,
GMOs possess characteristics that allow, for instance, the agricul-
298 Responsible Leadership : Global Perspectives