application of ethical theories to embryo research, cloning + designer babies Flashcards
What would Aquinas’ NML reject? Why?
Embryo research + cloning bc they abandon usual methods of procreation through loving sexual relationships
What primary precepts does embryo research + cloning breach?
Worship God + live in an ordered society
What biblical evidence supports Aquinas’ views on embryo research + cloning?
Jeremiah ref. to the belief that God fashions each person in the womb
What is believed about genetic blueprint? What does this mean for NML’s view on embryo research?
Gen. blueprint is present at the moment of conception so bio. a human becomes and individual at that point
Rule that allows exp. on embryos can be seen as breaking commandment ‘do not murder’
What might double effect say about embryo research?
The fact that embryo res. has potential to cure human disease doesn’t pass D.E. bc that would be doing a bad act to achieve a good result
What belief about creation of humans is used in NML view of designer babies? What does this mean about designer babies?
Humans created ‘in imago Dei’; designer babies changes image of human race + goes against God’s intentions
What P.P does designer babies break? Why?
Living in an ordered society; creates divide bet. rich + poor
What was Fletcher’s overall belief about E.R, cloning + D.B.?
Not opposed
Fletcher sees humans as makers, selectors + designers; so w controls in place humans should be able to redesign to banish disease
What did Fletcher think conferred rights?
Personhood; possessing characteristics of awareness + communication etc
What did Fletcher think about embryo research?
Embryo is only a potential person so
E.R, cloning + D.B. don’t post moral concerns
What is impossible to know?
What Aristotle would’ve thought about the status of an embryo
Who was a modern V.E? What did they think about personhood?
Rosalind Hursthouse
We can’t know at what stage personhood occurs
What’s the key virtue to be considered in this situation?
Compassion
What would a compassionate person focus on?
Those who’s lives are ruined by infertility, illnesses or genetic disorders
When would practical wisdom need to be used?
To know when cloning, saviour sibling tech + designer babies for non-medical reasons would demonstrate justice or not
