Reproductive Cloning
Cloning is assumed to be one of the most challenging moral dilemmas as many people think that it poses a risk to human dignity and spiritual integrity. It is a well-known fact that people often perceive future perspectives as impossible or dangerous, but over time they get used to the new technologies and approaches. Although, it will be inappropriate to state that our moral intuition is just a product of prejudice and we must address any scientific breakthrough as necessary and safe. I suppose that cloning is one of the breakthroughs that need the system of counterbalance providing a holistic approach to the problem. The consequentialist moral theory is the theory that better fits my approach as it supposes that people think about consequences and learn from their mistakes.
Undoubtedly, the ability of biological science to collaborate methods on how to improve the reproductive process and make it available to people with health problems could be a decent aim to pursue. Firstly, society should consider that there are various aims and types of cloning and do not oppose the idea of cloning in its general sense. For instance, reproductive cloning may provide children for the people that are not able to have their own children. Although, a moral dilemma stems from the very idea of embryo use. Some people believe that an embryo has a special moral status and taking cells from it or doing any other manipulations with an embryo violates this status. This problem can be viewed differently as an embryo is associated with the evolution of the human being as well and, therefore, any manipulations with it in favor for science and development may underline the special meaning of the continuous aspiration to improvement.
In the sense of human progress, not only bare ideas, cloning has its methodology and experimental basis and so, according to consequentialist theory, has its own rules of what is a good idea and what is a good outcome. If the main goal of science is to make our future safer and provide the individuals with an advanced health care system, the end justifies some of the means. For instance, some genetic disorders can cause heart diseases, neurological morbidity and the number of other health problems. Reproductive cloning can deal with genetic disorders, resulting in healthier children – and that is a scientific fact.
Some people assume that reproductive cloning available to the population must lead to loss of the societal value of a person. Uniqueness has been a basis for an individual’s self-esteem and proud for centuries. In the end, we perceive our life not only through the lens of science, and people are interested in their uniqueness and the fact that only diversity can contribute for pluralism in opinions. Although, it is not only the matter of genes. People have a different environment and experience that influence their reactions and attitudes. Therefore, instead of criticizing the genetic breakthroughs, it may be useful to create an interesting and various environment which will shape unique individualities.
Undoubtedly, cloning creates multiple opportunities for the health system and science. It should be a step to more choices, not to creating stereotypical personalities. Scientists should do their best to create the system of counterbalance in which new ideas will be examined holistically. Furthermore, society is to remember that the real good does not rely on strict rules but is rather a process of finding the best ideas and methods and the science can provide the means for this quest.
Therapeutic Cloning and Enhancement of Individuality
Unsurprisingly, the world is an arena for endless and passionate debates regarding such perspectives as the wide use of artificial intelligence, enhancement of human productivity and genetic breakthroughs providing mankind with healthier and stronger people. The consequentialist moral theory is the theory that is consistent with finding out which approach is scientifically and ethically relevant. Such current and possible breakthroughs as enhancement of individuality and therapeutic cloning may be viewed as two different phenomena with various ethical consequences.
Therapeutic cloning is a kind of cloning that is more ethically relevant than reproductive cloning as the gained stem cells are used for medical treatment. People may tend to worry about their present well-being more than think about vague moral concerns. Therapeutic cloning is not associated with stamped individuality so it should be set free from the abundant ethical concerns due to the use and destruction of human embryos.
However, opposition to cloning goes beyond critics of reproductive cloning. Some people suppose that it will be impossible to restrict reproductive cloning while applying therapeutic cloning. As society will let their guard down, they will not oppose that enthusiastically the use of the embryo for reproductive cloning. Moreover, the scientists may not be able to stop if they already have all of the technology and approval needed for the further breakthroughs. Such opinion may be based mostly on fears and it lacks a holistic approach because a decision could not be made only due to the approval of another decision.
One of the possible tendencies that introduce a real threat to the human spiritual integrity and dignity is the enhancement of individuality. People tend to divide others into categories of more successful and less successful, beautiful and sexually attractive, and ordinary people without a bright appearance. Unequal availability of expensive medicines and procedures may widen disparities between the influential ones and common people, making stars even more brilliant in the eyes of masses. On the contrary, people with average income will do their best to gain access to “magic pillars” and expensive procedures. That will make a human’s self-esteem dependent on or her appearance, positive mood, etc.
Some people state that enhancement of one’s appearance and feelings are not that harmful to a human’s dignity. For instance, there is a common belief that a romantic relationship cannot remain bright and exciting if one does not enhance it with the help of stimulation. The enhancement of desire may be a good decision for a couple who cannot afford to get divorced because of kids. Although, relationship should not be viewed as just something needing bright stimulation. Any relationship is an art that demands self-development and love for the uniqueness of the person. Reliance on stimulation may make the relationship easy, superfluous and, therefore, boring.
To sum up, it will be fair to state that various breakthroughs should be associated with various ethical challenges and these challenges are to be viewed regarding consequentialist moral theory. Moral consequences are crucial but they should be examined holistically through the insight into both material and psychological dimensions. Furthermore, people need to preserve their aspiration for self-improvement and love for complexity. It will be unproductive to enhance one, adjusting this personality to some beauty or character standards. This may be relevant only when enhancing human health and well-being and searching for the new ways aim to make our lives better.