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The Conception of Synthetic Entities from a Personalist Perspective
Lucía Gómez-Tatay1,2,3, José Miguel Hernández-Andreu1,2, Justo Aznar4
1Institute of Life Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain.
Science and Engineering Ethics
|October 28, 2017
Summary
Synthetic biology creates novel entities, blurring lines between organisms and machines. This study uses personalism to determine their moral value and ethical treatment, including hypothetical synthetic humans.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Bioethics
- Philosophy of technology
Background:
- Synthetic biology enables the creation of novel entities, challenging traditional classifications as organisms or machines.
- The ethical status and moral value of these synthetic products are subjects of ongoing debate.
- Personalism offers a framework for evaluating the moral worth of non-natural entities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delimit the moral value of synthetic biology products.
- To establish ethically sound ways of interacting with synthetic entities.
- To explore the ethical implications of potential synthetic humans.
Main Methods:
- Distinguishing between organisms and machines using philosophical criteria.
- Applying the ethical framework of personalism to synthetic products.
- Analyzing the moral status and appropriate conduct towards synthetic entities.
Main Results:
- The study provides a framework for assessing the moral value of synthetic organisms.
- It clarifies ethical considerations for interacting with non-natural life forms.
- The research addresses the complex ethical questions surrounding future synthetic humans.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic biology products require careful ethical consideration based on their properties and potential.
- Personalism can guide ethical decision-making regarding artificial life.
- Proactive ethical deliberation is crucial for navigating the development of synthetic biology and its societal impact.
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