The ethical question of human cloning: Is it right or wrong?

1. Introduction

The recent advances in the field of cloning have given rise to a fresh wave of debate surrounding the ethical implications of this technology. One of the key questions that has arisen is whether or not it is ethical to clone human beings. In this essay, I will be discussing the ethical question of human cloning and examining the argumentation put forward by religious moralists against it. I will argue that within the context of discussing the effects of human cloning, religious moralists' argumentation holds absolutely no value.

2. The ethical question of human cloning

There are a number of different ethical concerns surrounding human cloning. One worry is that clones will be created in order to harvest their organs for transplantation into other people (a process known as "therapeutic cloning"). It is feared that because clones will be created specifically for this purpose, they will be treated as nothing more than "biological machines" and will not be given the same moral consideration as other human beings. There is also concern that those who can afford to clone themselves will do so in order to create "designer babies" – babies whose physical and mental characteristics have been specifically chosen by their parents (a process known as "reproductive cloning"). It is feared that this could lead to a situation where some people are seen as being more valuable than others, based on their physical and mental attributes.

3. The religious moralists’ argumentation

One group of people who have been particularly vocal in their opposition to human cloning are religious moralists. These are usually people who belong to a particular religion, and who use the teachings of that religion to support their arguments against cloning. For example, many Christian clergymen have spoken out against human cloning, claiming that it goes against the will of God. In 2002, Winning, the Archbishop of Glasgow, said that "[h]uman cloning is immoral and unacceptable to Christians" (cited in McFadden, 2002). He went on to say that "the Bible thumpers are right on this one" (cited in McFadden, 2002). Religious moralists often argue that clones will not have a "soul" and therefore will not be fully human. They also sometimes argue that clones will not have free will, and that they will be nothing more than biological robots controlled by those who created them.

4. The value of religious moralists’ argumentation

As can be seen from the above discussion, there are a number of different concerns surrounding human cloning. However, I believe that none of these concerns should be used to justify a ban on human cloning. In my opinion, the only concern that should be taken into account when making decisions about whether or not to clone humans is the welfare of the cloned individuals themselves. If it can be shown that clones will suffer as a result of being created, then I believe that there is a case for banning human cloning. However, I do not believe that any of the other concerns listed above are sufficient grounds for prohibiting Human Cloning activity takes place with full understanding and voluntary consent from all parties involved including the cloned individual, I believe that it should be permitted. As far as the argument that clones will not have free will is concerned, I believe that this is a matter for each individual clone to decide for themselves. I do not believe that moralists or anyone else has the right to dictate what another person should do with their own life.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that the ethical question of human cloning is a complex one. There are a number of different concerns that need to be taken into account when making decisions about whether or not to clone humans. However, I believe that the only concern that should be given any weight in this debate is the welfare of the cloned individuals themselves. If it can be shown that clones will suffer as a result of being created, then I believe that there is a case for banning human cloning. However, if Human Cloning activity takes place with full understanding and voluntary consent from all parties involved including the cloned individual, I believe that it should be permitted.

FAQ

More Related papers

• The Tragic Figure of Victor Frankenstein: A Murderer and a Hero
• The Impact of Colonialism on Igbo Society
• The Impact of Social Class on Mental Health
• The Nature of Good and Evil in Medieval Philosophy: Augustine, Abelard, and Heloise
• Intercultural Communication in the Workplace: Problems and Solutions