The bioethical structure of a human being

Journal of Applied Philosophy 20 (2):123–131 (2003)
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Abstract

Bioethical debates such as those surrounding the manipulation of human embryos are often based on metaphysical assumptions that lack a foundation in the natural sciences. In this paper we support a gradualist position whereby the embryo progressively takes on the form and associated ethical significance of a human being. We support this position by introducing a concept of biological structure or form to show how the gradualist position has its metaphysical foundations in modern biology. The conceptual basis for form and structure are outlined and their compatibility with and basis in current empirical biology is demonstrated by some recent advances in our understanding of the processes of development from single cell to organism. We then briefly explore the ethical significance of accepting a form or structure based conception of biology for the status of the early embryo.

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Grant Gillett
University of Otago

Citations of this work

The unwitting sacrifice problem.G. Gillett - 2005 - Journal of Medical Ethics 31 (6):327-332.
The Roman Catholic Church and embryonic stem cells.P. S. Copland - 2004 - Journal of Medical Ethics 30 (6):607-608.
Identity and resurrection.Grant Gillett - 2008 - Heythrop Journal 49 (2):254–268.
The book of life.P. Copland - 2005 - Journal of Medical Ethics 31 (5):278-279.

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References found in this work

Do human cells have rights?Mary Warnock - 1987 - Bioethics 1 (1):1-14.
Metaphysics and medical ethics: a reply.G. Gillett - 1994 - Journal of Medical Ethics 20 (1):50-52.

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