The Morality of Embryo Use - Softcover

Guenin, Louis M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521694272 ISBN 13: 9780521694278

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Is it permissible to use a human embryo in stem cell research, or in general as a means for benefit of others? Acknowledging each embryo as an object of moral concern, Louis M. Guenin argues that it is morally permissible to decline intrauterine transfer of an embryo formed outside the body, and that from this permission and the duty of beneficence, there follows a consensus justification for using donated embryos in service of humanitarian ends. He then proceeds to show how this justification commands assent even within moral and religious views commonly thought to oppose embryo use. Beneath his moral reasoning lies a carefully constructed metaphysical foundation incorporating accounts of the ontology of development, embryos, and species. He also incisively discusses nonreprocloning, reprocloning, ectogenesis, and related scientific frontiers. This compelling philosophical study will interest all concerned to understand virtue and obligation in the relief of suffering.

About this title

Book Description:

Engaging a vigorous controversy, this book lays a foundation for consensus by presenting moral and metaphysical arguments that the developmental potential of some early humans is permissibly bounded. Showing the cogency of those arguments within presumptively contrary moral and religious views, the discussion also incorporates incisive analyzes of nonreprocloning and reprocloning, putative alternatives to embryo use, ectogenesis, and related scientific frontiers.

About the Author:

Louis M. Guenin is Lecturer on Ethics in Science in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521694272
• ISBN 13: 9780521694278
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288