Morality and human embryo research. Introduction to the Talking Point on morality and human embryo research

摘要: The readers of EMBO reports will be familiar with the broad outlines debate about whether it is morally acceptable to destroy human embryos for purposes medical research. Talking Point articles published here exemplify two sides this debate: Robert George and Patrick Lee argue that such research inherently wrong, whereas Thomas Douglas Julian Savulescu contend there are no sound moral objections it. Both parties address issue from within framework philosophical ethics; however, their approaches different. present a systematic way thinking development, according which these different in kind young children—or other beings—and should therefore treated same respect. By contrast, begin more ‘intuitive’ approach: they some hypothetical thought experiments reflect on current practices show our “moral intuitions” “incompatible view persons”, although also try type argument used by not convincing. These papers represent conceptions theory. approach rationalist—the value something depends basically its essential nature—and, therefore, appeals ordinary unsystematic convictions largely irrelevant. exemplifies form empiricism consider responses—or ‘intuitions’—not only have initial plausibility, but constitute main source considerations we refine into judgments. old dispute between rationalism played out context theory. In discussing points view, I start thesis …