It is not ethically permissible to destroy human embryonic life for medical progress.
Personhood and the Scientific Questionability of Embryonic Stem Cell Research The ethics behind embryonic stem cell research are controversial because the criteria of ‘personhood’ is “notoriously unclear.” Personhood is defined as the status of being a person, entitled to “moral rights and legal protections” that are higher than living things that are not classified as persons.
Thus, the end goal of stem cell use justifies sacrificing human embryos to produce stem cells, even though expending life is tantamount to murder.
Opponents of embryonic stem cell research would equate the actions done to destroy the embryos as killing.
This type of reasoning, known as Bentham’s Hedonic (moral) calculus, suggests that the potential good of treating or researching new cures for ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers, etc.
outweighs any costs and alleviate the suffering of persons with those aliments.
Therefore, under this feeble utilitarian approach, stem cell research proceeds at the expense of human life than at the expense of personhood.
One can reject the asserted utilitarian approach to stem cell research as a reductionist view of life because the argument fails to raise ethical concerns regarding the destruction embryonic life for the possibility of developing treatments to end certain diseases.
However, since the “zygote is genetically identical to the embryo,” which is also genetically identical to the fetus, and, by extension, identical to the baby, inquiring the beginning of personhood can lead to an occurrence of the Sorites paradox, also acknowledged as “the paradox of the heap.” The paradox of the heap arises from vague predicates in philosophy.
If there is a heap of sand and a grain is taken away from that heap one by one, at what point will it no longer be considered a heap – what classifies it as a heap? When, in the development of a human being, is an embryo considered a person with moral standing?
Comments Essay On Stem Cell Research Pros
Key Pros and Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
Embryonic stem cells have the promise to be a cure to a myriad of medical conditions and other potential benefits. However, the creation and.…
Pros and Cons Stem Cells University of Nebraska Medical.
Pros and Cons of Using Various Stem Cells. Embryonic Stem Cells . Therapies using ESC avenues are largely new and much more research and testing is.…
Stem Cell Research Pros and Cons - A.
View Essay - Stem Cell Research Pros and Cons from ENGLISH GENERAL at Ottoville High School. A Controversial Topic Should Stem Cell.…
Stem Cell Research Uses, Types & Examples - Healthline
Learn about stem cell research and how it may impact human health. and supplemental health products — like pharmacy benefits and emergency medical.…
The medical benefits of stem cell research Science The.
Speculation is growing about the official response to the chief medical officer's forthcoming report on research using cells from embryos. A wise.…
Stem Cell Essay Cram
Stem Cells Evaluative Essay This is a general essay for one who may or may not be. Stem Cell Research Pros The following article is a take on the ongoing.…
Stem cells Sources, types, and uses - Medical News Today
Researchers manage and share stem-cell lines for different purposes. They can stimulate the stem cells to specialize in a particular way.…
Embryonic Stem Cell Research An Ethical Dilemma — Voices.
Essay Contest. The principal argument for embryonic stem cell research is the potential benefit of. However, those that are against embryonic stem cell research believe that the possibility of scientific benefits of research do.…
Religion and the public ethics of stem-cell research - PLOS
We examine international public opinion towards stem-cell research. judgements about risks and benefits, but it is also based on ethical.…