The Morality of Embryo Use

by Louis M. Guenin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521694278
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/31/2008
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Preliminaries; 2. Epidosembryos; 3. Individuation; 4. Respect for specific life; 5. Consensus; 6. Clones; 7. Analyzing alternatives; 8. Shaping norms.

Editorial Reviews

'Louis Guenin's book, The Morality of Embryo Use, provides a carefully argued and scholarly exposition of the issues. As an ethics adviser on medical research, and also as a member of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Guenin is well-qualified to do this, and he brings to the task the resources of biology, genetics, logic and metaphysics.' Philosophy

From the Publisher