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The identity of clones
1ICSU International Council for Science, Oslo, Norway.
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|May 1, 1999
Summary
Cloning does not create identical individuals, but rather genetically similar ones. Arguments about a "right to unique identity" are flawed because cloning only involves genetic identity, not broader aspects like personality.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Philosophy of Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Cloning technology raises ethical concerns regarding individual identity.
- A common misconception is that clones are identical to their progenitors in all aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the concept of identity in the context of cloning.
- To analyze the different types of identity and their relevance to cloned individuals.
- To address arguments against cloning based on the notion of a unique identity.
Main Methods:
- Distinguishing between various philosophical concepts of identity: numerical, qualitative, relational, intrinsic, logical, and empirical.
- Examining empirical individuation of clones across genetics, physiology, perception, cognition, and personality.
Main Results:
- Cloning involves only qualitative, intrinsic, and empirical identity, primarily through genetic indiscernibility.
- Clones are not identical in aspects beyond genetics, such as personality or cognition.
- Arguments for a "right to unique identity" against cloning are based on a misunderstanding of identity types.
Conclusions:
- The belief that cloning produces identical individuals is a misunderstanding of the nature of identity.
- Cloning does not violate an individual's right to a unique identity, as identity is multifaceted.
- Ethical objections to cloning based on identity are philosophically untenable.