Philosophy and ethics of de-extinction

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Conservation Biology
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• De-extinction involves resurrecting extinct species, raising profound ethical and philosophical questions.
• Understanding the process of extinction is crucial for defining de-extinction.
• The debate involves arguments from restorative justice, biodiversity, animal welfare, and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize de-extinction and its relationship to extinction.
• To evaluate the scientific feasibility of de-extinction.
• To examine the moral permissibility of de-extinction.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of de-extinction concepts.
• Review of arguments concerning species' nature and resurrection.
• Ethical evaluation of de-extinction based on justice, conservation, welfare, and resource concerns.

Main Results:

• De-extinction is defined in relation to the extinction process.
• Arguments exist questioning the possibility of resurrecting extinct species.
• Ethical considerations present both obligations for and prohibitions against de-extinction.

Conclusions:

• De-extinction is a complex issue with significant scientific and ethical dimensions.
• Feasibility and moral permissibility remain contentious.
• Careful consideration of biodiversity, animal welfare, and resource allocation is essential.