1. Y.G. Muralidharan argues that mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods will help consumers make informed choices about the food they eat. Gregory Conko claims that negative labeling, labels that identify foods that contain no genetically modified organisms, are sufficient to inform consumers and will be less costly than mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. Do you think negative labeling is sufficient to inform consumers? Explain, citing from the viewpoints.
2. Some commentators claim that the patenting of human genes discourages research because the monopoly created by the patent hinders further research that might produce better, less expensive products. David Holcberg maintains that the patenting of human genes rewards new discoveries and thus motivates research. While Holcberg stresses the need to reward research efforts directed at discovering new isolated genes, some analysts are concerned about discouraging subsequent research to improve its uses. Do you think these two...