Say No to Human Cloning

Paper Summary:

The paper asserts that cloning a human is as close to playing God as science can get, and for that reason it should never be allowed or legalized. The paper refers to the theories of virtue ethics, natural law and natural rights and ethical relativism and attempts to illustrate why cloning humans is bad science and morally wrong. The paper concludes with the contention that human cloning is one of those barriers that should not be passed today, tomorrow or ever.

From the Paper:

"The virtue theory of ethics stresses character, instead of rules or consequences, as the key element of ethical thinking. This theory also holds the belief that if a person spends their life practicing the virtues, and lives a virtuous life, that they will live the "good life," and attain a higher level of ethics and morality. Applying the virtue theory to human cloning is simple. Cloning a human being is certainly not a virtuous or commendable behavior, and so, engaging in human cloning would not fit in with the principles of the virtue theory. The virtues making up the virtue theory include moral character and education, moral wisdom, and family and friendship all lead to a happier, more successful life, and deep satisfaction as a person. It also entails assessment of one's own morality and virtuous behavior, and many experts believe this is impossible for scientists who might engage in human cloning, as they might not effectively judge their behavior."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brannigan, M. C. (Ed.). (2001). Ethical issues in human cloning: Cross-disciplinary perspectives. New York: Seven Bridges Press.
• Harris, J. (2004). On cloning. New York: Routledge.
• Walters, L. (2004). The United Nations and human cloning: A debate on hold. The Hastings Center Report, 34(1), 5+.

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