Do markets cause moral deterioration?

The most interesting articles that came to our attention this week

Screening embryos for polygenic disease risk: a review of epidemiological, clinical, and ethical considerations. Antonio Capalbo and colleagues carry out a comprehensive review of the literature on polygenic embryo screening. They conclude that large relative risk reductions are possible for one or more diseases. However, they caution that there are a number of possible societal harms, such as increased demand for “designer babies”.

Studying Correlations between Genetic Variation and Test Score Gaps. Gregory Connor and John Fuerst present an edited volume of articles dealing with the contribution of genes to group differences in intelligence. The book is divided into three sections: the first covers social and political considerations, the second covers admixture analysis, and the third covers racial gaps in brain structure.

The Case for Banning Cousin Marriage. Patrick Nash makes a comprehensive argument for banning cousin marriage, regardless of culture or jurisdiction. He begins by rebutting five arguments for allowing cousin marriage, based on human rights, opposition to prejudice, custom, choice, and proportionality. He then lays out the argument for banning the practice due to its harmful social, political and medical effects.