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Aristotle and headless clones

Timothy Mosteller1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, Biola University, 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA 90639, USA. timothy.mosteller@biola.edu

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|September 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Therapeutic cloning can create genetically identical organs for transplant. This paper explores the ethical status of headless clones using Aristotle's philosophy.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Therapeutic cloning offers genetically identical organs for transplantation.
  • Genetically altered clones may lack higher brain function.
  • The ethical status of 'spare parts' clones requires examination.

Discussion:

  • This paper applies Aristotle's metaphysics and view of the soul to the ethical debate surrounding headless clones.
  • Aristotle's concept of biological essences informs a potential ethical framework.
  • The paper investigates the moral implications of using clones solely for organ harvesting.

Key Insights:

  • Aristotle's philosophy provides a framework for evaluating the moral status of headless clones.
  • The concept of the soul, as defined by Aristotle, is central to this ethical analysis.
  • Ethical considerations arise from the potential for genetically identical organ harvesting.

Outlook:

  • Further philosophical and ethical inquiry into cloning technologies is warranted.
  • Aristotle's ethical framework may offer novel perspectives on bioethical dilemmas.
  • Understanding the ontological status of clones is crucial for future medical applications.
Keywords:
Biomedical and Behavioral ResearchGenetics and ReproductionPhilosophical Approach

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